Scientists Identify Genes that First Enabled Plants to Grow Leaves
August 7, 2019 |
Researchers from the University of Bristol announced that they have discovered the secrets to shoot evolution. Their findings indicate that plants half a billion years ago had a budding mechanism for shoot development when they first emerged on land.
The study points to genes responsible for how plants from 450 million years ago were able to delay reproduction and grow shoots, leaves, and buds. This evolution involves a switch that allowed plants to shift new cells downwards from the shoot tips.
Several modern developmental and genetic techniques were used to investigate the swollen reproductive structures of mosses located at the tips of their small stems. Moss was selected as it embodies the starting point of plant evolution. It was found that mosses are raised upwards by new cells formed in the middle of the stem. Further investigation found that similar genes are responsible for elongating the moss' stems.
These findings lead the researchers to conclude that there was a pre-existing genetic network in emerging plants that was remodeled to allow shoot systems to arise in plant evolution. This also suggests that radiation of shooting forms may have been triggered by a change in timing and location of gene activity. The new information can help scientists understand better how genes control plant shape, which can lead to future research on improving the characteristics and yield of crops.
Read more from the University of Bristol. The full paper is available in Current Biology.
|
You might also like:
- Researchers Find Genetic Mechanism for Controlling the Shape of Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains
- Scientists Identify Protein that Influence Leaf Growth and Shape
- Scientists Discover How Plants Breathe
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Turns 15
- Plant Breeding Innovation Can Help Solve Global Challenges
- Iowans Prefer Presidential Candidates Who Support Science
- Scientists Find Missing Link in Algal Photosynthesis
- UK Farmers Endorse Adoption of GM Crops, Survey Reveals
-
Research Highlights
- Insect Resistant Rice Had No Effect on the Interspecific Interactions of Rice Planthoppers
- Mechanism to Improve Stress Tolerance in Plants Identified
- Scientists Identify Genes that First Enabled Plants to Grow Leaves
-
Plant
- Better Resistance to Citrus Canker Achieved Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated Editing
- CRISPR-Cas9 Used in Mutagenesis of Soybean Seed Storage Protein Genes
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (November 6, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (October 30, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet