Abstract:
Adaptations for seed dispersal are found everywhere in nature. However, only a fraction of this diversity is accessible through the study of model organisms. For example, Arabidopsis seeds are released by dehiscent fruit; and although many genes required for dehiscence have been identified, the genetic basis for the vast majority of seed dispersal strategies remains understudied. Explosive fruit generate mechanical forces to launch seeds over a wide area. Recent work indicates that key innovations required for explosive dispersal lie in localised lignin deposition and precise patterns of microtubule-dependent growth in the fruit valves, rather than dehiscence zone structure. These insights come from comparative approaches, which extend the reach of developmental genetics by developing experimental tools in less well-studied species, such as the Arabidopsis relative, Cardamine hirsuta.
摘要:
在自然界中随处可见种子传播的适应性。然而,通过模型生物的研究,这种多样性中只有一小部分是可以获得的。例如,拟南芥种子由开裂的果实释放;尽管已经确定了许多开裂所需的基因,绝大多数种子传播策略的遗传基础仍未得到充分研究。爆炸性水果会产生机械力,以在广阔的区域内发射种子。最近的工作表明,爆炸性扩散所需的关键创新在于局部木质素沉积和果实瓣膜中依赖微管的精确生长模式。而不是开裂区结构。这些见解来自比较方法,通过在研究较少的物种中开发实验工具来扩展发育遗传学的范围,比如拟南芥的近亲,CardamineHirsuta.