The role of the BLADE-ON-PETIOLE genes in the regulation of plant growth and development

摘要

Plants need to adjust their growth and development in response to changes in environmental factors such as light intensity, light quality, temperature and water availability. Here I describe the identification of the BLADE-ON-PETIOLE (BOP) genes and their role in the regulation of the growth of lateral organs and stem vascular tissues. I show that the BOP genes affect leaf lamina formation through the repression of KNOX genes and JAGGED, and suppresses the formation of bracts through an interaction with the flower meristems-identity gene LEAFY. I also show that the BOP genes provide a direct link between light signal transduction and the regulation of plant development.