Abstract
Arabidopsis develops interfascicular fibers in stems for needed support of shoots. To study the molecular mechanisms controlling fiber differentiation, we isolated an interfascicular fiber mutant (ifl1) by screening ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized Arabidopsis populations. This mutant lacks normal interfascicular fibers in stems. Interestingly, some interfascicular cells were sclerified in the upper parts but not in the basal parts of the ifl1 stems. These sclerified cells were differentiated at a position different from that of interfascicular fibers in the wild type. Lack of interfascicular fibers correlated with a dramatic change of stem strength. Stems of the mutant could not stand erect and were easily broken by bending. Quantitative measurement showed that it took approximately six times less force to break basal stems of the mutant than of the wild type. In addition, noticeable morphological changes were associated with the mutant, including long stems, dark green leaves with delayed senescence, and reduced numbers of cauline leaves and branches. Genetic analysis showed that the ifl1 mutation was monogenic and recessive. The ifl1 locus was mapped to a region between the 17C2 and 7H9L markers on chromosome 5. Isolation of the ifl1 mutant provides a novel means to study the genetic control of fiber differentiation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.