Genetic control of floral zygomorphy in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Jul 29;105(30):10414-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0803291105. Epub 2008 Jul 23.

Abstract

Floral zygomorphy (flowers with bilateral symmetry) has multiple origins and typically manifests two kinds of asymmetries, dorsoventral (DV) and organ internal (IN) asymmetries in floral and organ planes, respectively, revealing the underlying key regulators in plant genomes that generate and superimpose various mechanisms to build up complexity and different floral forms during plant development. In this study, we investigate the loci affecting these asymmetries during the development of floral zygomorphy in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Two genes, LOBED STANDARD 1 (LST1) and KEELED WINGS (K), were cloned that encode TCP transcription factors and have divergent functions to constitute the DV asymmetry. A previously undescribed regulator, SYMMETRIC PETALS 1 (SYP1), has been isolated as controlling IN asymmetry. Genetic analysis demonstrates that DV and IN asymmetries could be controlled independently by the two kinds of regulators in pea, and their interactions help to specify the type of zygomorphy. Based on the genetic analysis in pea, we suggest that variation in both the functions and interactions of these regulators could give rise to the wide spectrum of floral symmetries among legume species and other flowering plants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Flowers / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • Genes, Plant*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome, Plant
  • Genomics / methods
  • Models, Genetic
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Phylogeny
  • Physical Chromosome Mapping
  • Pisum sativum / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Transcription Factors