Understanding the development and evolution of novel floral form in Aquilegia

Date Published:

Abstract:

Flowers of the lower eudicot Aquilegia (columbine) possess morphological innovations, namely elaborate petal spurs and a fifth distinct organ identity, the staminodium, that are well suited to the investigation of key questions in developmental evolution. The recent evolution of these characteristics combined with a growing set of genetic and genomic resources has provided insight into how the traits arose and diversified. The petal spur appears to represent a key innovation that diversified largely via modification of specific aspects of cell expansion. In the case of the staminodium, gene duplication has played a role in allowing a novel organ identity to be carved out of the traditional ABC program.

Notes:

Sharma, BhartiYant, LeviHodges, Scott AKramer, Elena Meng1 F32 GM096699/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.ReviewEngland2014/02/11 06:00Curr Opin Plant Biol. 2014 Feb;17:22-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pbi.2013.10.006. Epub 2013 Nov 15.