Origin of floral asymmetry in Antirrhinum

Article Abstract:

The cycloidea (cyc) and dichotoma (dich) genes are expressed in the dorsal regions of floral meristems at a very early stage and are responsible for the dorsoventral asymmetry in the flower, Antirrhinum. The cyc gene decreases primordium initiation and growth rate in the dorsal region of the flower meristem. The transcripts of the gene are present in the staminode primordia and dorsal petal throughout the process of floral asymmetry development. The cyc and the dich genes also establish dorsoventral asymmetry in the individual organs of the flower.

Growth, Gene expression, Meristem

---

An epigenetic mutation responsible for natural variation in floral symmetry

Article Abstract:

Linnaeus originally described a naturally occurring mutant of Linaria vulgaris (toadflax), in which the basic symmetry of the flower is changed from bilateral to radial, 250 years ago. A new study reveals that the change is due to a defect in Lcyc, a homologue of the cycloidea gene in Antirrinhum. The mutation is shown to be epigenetic in that the gene is normal but is switched off by extensive methylation. This condition, known as epimutation, is unstable and occasionally reverts to the wild type.

Causes of, Cover Story, Mutation (Biology), Mutation, Variation (Biology), Wild flowers, Epigenesis

---

Control of inflorescence architecture in Antirrhinum

Article Abstract:

The mutation of the protein centroradialis (cen) causes the indeterminate inflorescence of the plant Antirrhinum to terminate in a flower. Scanning electron microscopy shows that cen is expressed in the inflorescence apex a few days after floral induction and combines with the gene floricaula to regulate flower position and form. Cen also prevents flo expression in the apical meristem.

Physiological aspects, Plant proteins, Inflorescences, Inflorescences (Botany)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Termination of asymmetric cell division and differentiation of stomata. Endothelial tubes assemble from intracellular vacuoles in vivo
• Abstracts: Do female pigeons trade pair copulations for protection? Sex roles and sexual selection. Depletion determines sperm number in male zebra finches
• Abstracts: Feather asymmetry in Archaeopteryx. The avian nature of the brain and inner ear of Archaeopteryx. Postcranial pneumatization in Archaeopteryx
• Abstracts: Control of protein-ligand recognition using a stimuli-responsive polymer. Size-dependent control of the binding of biotinylated proteins to streptavidin using a polymer shield
• Abstracts: Uncertainty and the management of mallard harvests. Evaluation of waterfowl conservation under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.