Abstract
Editorial: From Meristems to Floral Diversity: Developmental Options and Constraints
Highlights
Meristems provide growth and shape in flowering plants
Molecular studies in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) have shown that the activity of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) is regulated by a gene regulatory network mediated by the WUSCHEL/CLAVATA3 (WUS/CLA3) antagonistic system (Laux, 2003), whereas the flower meristems (FMs) is under the control of the FM identity genes LEAFY (LFY) and APETALA1 (AP1) (Chandler, 2012)
Chang et al summarize the present knowledge of the genes with dual functions and show that e.g., WUS contributes to the maintenance of SAM activity, when associated with CLV3, and to the termination of the FM in association with AGAMOUS (AG)
Summary
Meristems provide growth and shape in flowering plants. They are composed of undifferentiated cells whose fates depend on specific genetic and epigenetic processes. Differential gene expression, and hormone-mediated regulatory feedbacks play key roles, while on the morphogenetic level meristem geometry, mechanical pressure, meristem expansion and the timing of organ initiation and growth processes influence development. Combining the different aspects results in a deeper understanding of the developemental constraints and options underlying growth processes and the genesis of form in plant evolution. Specialty section: This article was submitted to Evolutionary Developmental Biology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
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