Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Zumajo, Cecilia [1], Ambrose, Barbara [2].

Evolution of the integument developmental genes in seed plants.

Gene duplication plays a decisive role in organismal diversification and the appearance of novel structures. One of these novel structurers are the ovules/seeds which have unique morphological characteristics across seed plants. The genetic mechanisms regulating ovule development have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. The initiation of the ovule development appears to be mainly controlled by SEEDSTICK, BEL1 and AINTEGUMENTA. The Arabidopsis ovule has two integuments covering the nucellus. The asymmetric growth of the outer integument reorients the ovule resulting in an anatropous orientation. While BEL1 establishes the initiation of the integument development, INNER NO OUTER (INO), KANADI1 and 2 (KAN1/2) act in the proper development of the outer integument and ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS also KANADI4), is involved in outer integument development and the proper separation of both integuments. UNICORN (UCN), a member of the AGC Protein kinase family, acts in the outer integument, repressing ATS. SHORT INTEGUMENTS1 (SIN1) a Dicer-like1, is involved in cell elongation of both integuments and the sin1 mutant integuments do not cover the nucellus. We made a comprehensive search of these genes involved in the correct morphological development of the integuments to assess large scale duplications. Our results show that each of these genes has undergone a different evolutionary history across seed plants, and we analyze the possible impact of these evolutionary patterns on the morphological evolution of ovules and their resulting seeds.

1 - New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, New York, NY, 10458, United States
2 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States

Keywords:
Evo-Devo
Integuments
seed plants
Ovules
Seed coat.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: EVDV1, Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)
Location: Tucson E/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 1:45 PM
Number: EVDV1002
Abstract ID:317
Candidate for Awards:Katherine Esau Award