MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    Evolution of flower shape in Plantago lanceolata


    Reardon, Wesley and Fitzpatrick, David A. and Fares, Mario A. and Nugent, Jacqueline M. (2009) Evolution of flower shape in Plantago lanceolata. Plant Molecular Biology, 71 (3). pp. 241-250. ISSN 0167-4412

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    Abstract

    Plantago lanceolata produces small actinomorphic (radially symmetric), wind-pollinated flowers that have evolved from a zygomorphic, biotically pollinated ancestral state. To understand the developmental mechanisms that might underlie this change in flower shape, and associated change in pollination syndrome, we analyzed the role of CYC-like genes in P. lanceolata. Related zygomorphic species have two CYC-like genes that are expressed asymmetrically in the dorsal region of young floral meristems and in developing flowers, where they affect the rate of development of dorsal petals and stamens. Plantago has a single CYC-like gene (PlCYC) that is not expressed in early floral meristems and there is no apparent asymmetry in the pattern of PlCYC expression during later flower development. Thus, the evolution of actinomorphy in Plantago correlates with loss of dorsal-specific CYC-like gene function. PlCYC is expressed in the inflorescence stem, in pedicels, and relatively late in stamen development, suggesting a novel role for PlCYC in compacting the inflorescence and retarding stamen elongation in this wind pollinated species.

    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Plantago; Flower shape; Protogyny; Wind pollination; CYCLOIDEA;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology
    Item ID: 7418
    Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11103-009-9520-z
    Depositing User: Dr. Jacqueline Nugent
    Date Deposited: 31 Aug 2016 15:14
    Journal or Publication Title: Plant Molecular Biology
    Publisher: Springer
    Refereed: Yes
    URI:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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