Journal article

Publication year: 2001

Pages: 351-358

Journal: Acta Biochimica Polonica

Volume number: 48

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 0001-527X

URL: http://www.actabp.pl/#File?./html/2_2001/351.html

Publisher: Polskie Towarzystwo Biochemiczne

Abstract: 
MADS-box genes encode transcription factors in all eukaryotic organisms
thus far studied. Plant MADS-box proteins contain a DNA-binding (M), an
intervening (I), a Keratin-like (K) and a C-terminal C-domain, thus
plant MADS-box proteins are of the MIKC type. In higher plants most of
the well-characterized genes are involved in floral development. They
control the transition from vegetative to generative growth and
determine inflorescence meristem identity. They specify floral organ
identity as outlined in the ABC model of floral development. Moreover,
in Antirrhinum majus the MADS-box gene products DEF/GLO and PLE
control cell proliferation in the developing flower bud. In this
species the DEF/GLO and the SQUA proteins form a ternary complex which
determines the overall Bauplan of the flower. Phylogenetic
reconstructions of MADS-box sequences obtained from ferns, gymnosperms
and higher eudicots reveal that, although ferns possess already MIKC
type genes, these are not orthologous to the well characterized MADS-box
genes from gymnosperms or angiosperms. Putative orthologs of floral
homeotic B- and C-function genes have been identified in different
gymnosperms suggesting that these genes evolved some 300-400 million
years ago. Both gymnosperms and angiosperms also contain a hitherto
unknown sister clade of the B-genes, which we termed Bsister. A novel
hypothesis will be described suggesting that B and Bsister might be
involved in sex determination of male and female reproductive organs,
respectively.

Harvard Citation style: Saedler, H., Becker, A., Winter, K., Kirchner, C. and Theißen, G. (2001) MADS-box genes are involved in floral development and evolution, Acta Biochimica Polonica, 48(2), pp. 351-358. http://www.actabp.pl/#File?./html/2_2001/351.html

APA Citation style: Saedler, H., Becker, A., Winter, K., Kirchner, C., & Theißen, G. (2001). MADS-box genes are involved in floral development and evolution. Acta Biochimica Polonica. 48(2), 351-358. http://www.actabp.pl/#File?./html/2_2001/351.html