Scientists Discover New and Unusual Role of Auxin

Scientists have discovered an unusual and novel role for the plant hormone auxin in the development of the female organs of the flower. Plant scientists Professor Lars Østergaard and Laila Moubayidin from the John Innes Centre in Norwich have discovered that tissue at the tip of the gynoecium, the structure that forms the female reproductive organ of a flower, goes through a bilateral to radial transition. The resulting radial structure makes up the style of the gynoecium.

Using Arabidopsis thaliana in their experiments, the researchers found this unusual transition to be controlled by two genes directly affecting auxin distribution. A radial style is crucial for effective fertilization since the tubular shape supports the growth of pollen tubes into the gynoecium. These carry sperm from the flower's male parts towards the female gametes, ultimately leading to the development of a new plant embryo.

For more information, read the news release available at:
https://www.jic.ac.uk/news/2014/11/clue-abominable-mystery-new-research-shows-auxin-causes-radial-patterning-plant-reproductive-organs/.