Abstract
Some general data on the genetic control and the possibilities of regulation of developmental paths inDrosophila are furnished. The insights to be gained from this insect will surely have implications that extend far beyond the fruit-fly. For example, in plants, developmental programs for floral organs, implying specific proteins are known. Developmental mutants in which mutate alleles control developmental programs for flowering were also selected in several species (Zea, Pisum, Sorghum, Cucumis, Mercurialis). Chemicals, especially phytohormones interfering with these programs are discussed. The case of sexual differentiation ofMercurialis is discussed in more detail. In this species, sex organs are controlled by sex determination genes and by auxins (male) and cytokinins (female). Flowers of each sex can be characterized by specific mRNA populations. They were evidenced by translationin vitro in a cell-free system of the various kinds of mRNAs [poly(A), non poly(A), polysomes]. The feminisation of genetic males by cytokinins induces the mRNA population of female type. Evidence concerning the implications of cytokinins in protein synthesis before translation level is presented. This is also probably true for auxins, although direct evidence is lacking.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Baulcombe, D.: α-amylases and “Gibb-ons”. Molecular analysis of co-regulated gene families in wheat. -British Society for Developmental Biology, Leicester Meeting 2 –5 April 1984.
Brachet, J.: Introduction à l’embryologie moléculaire. -Masson, Paris 1974.
Coe, E. H., Neuffer, M. G.: Embryo cells and their destinies in the corn plant. -In:Sub-telny, S., Sussex, I. M. (ed.): The Clonal Basis of Development. Pp. 113–129. Academic Press, New York 1978.
Durand, R., Durand, B.: Sexual differentiation in higher plants. -Physiol. Plant.60: 267–274, 1984.
Garcia-Bellido, A., Ripoll, P., Morata, G.: Developmental compartmentalization of the wing disk ofDrosophila. -Nature, new Biol.245: 251–253, 1973.
Garcia-Bellido, A., Ripoll, P., Morata, G.: Developmental compartmentalization of the dorsal mesothoracic disk ofDrosophila. -Dev. Biol.48: 132–147, 1976.
Gilham, P. T.: The synthesis of polynucleotide-cellulose and their use in the fractionation of polynucleotides. -J. chem. amer. Soc.83: 4982–4985, 1964.
Hansen, D. J., Bellman, S. K., Sacher, R. N.: Gibberellic-acid-controlled sex expression in corn tassels. -Crop Sci.16: 371–374, 1976.
Heslop-Harrison, J.: The experimental control of sexuality and inflorescence structure inZea mays L. -Proc. Linn. Soc. London172: 108–129, 1961.
Heslop-Harrison, J.: Sex expression in flowering plants. -Brookhaven Symposium in Bi-ology n∘ 16: Meristem and Differentiation. Pp. 109–125. Brookhaven nat. Laboratory Publ. Upton, New York 1964.
Jackson, A. O., Larkins, B. A.: Influence of ionic strength, pH, and chelation of divalent metals on isolation of polyribosomes from tobacco leaves. -Plant Physiol.57: 5–10, 1976.
Jaiswal, V. S., Kumar, A.: Change in peroxidase and its multiple forms in relation to sex differentiation inCoccinia indica. -Biochem. Physiol. Pflanzen75: 578–581, 1980.
Johri, M. M., Coe, J. R.: Clonal analysis of corn plant development. -Dev. Biol.97: 154–172, 1983.
Kauffman, S. A., Shymko, R. S., Trabert, K.: Control of sequential compartment formation inDrosophila. - Science199: 259–269, 1978.
Krishnamoorthy, H. N., Talukdar, A.: Chemical control of sex expression inZea mays L. -Z. Pflanzenphysiol.79: 91–94, 1976.
Kulaeva, N. O., Khryanin, V. N., Chaïlakhyan, M. K. H.: [Genetic and hormonal regulation of sex expression in plants.] In Russ. -Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR152: 1275–1276, 1980.
Lyndon, R. F., Jacqmard, A., Bernier, G.: Changes in protein composition of the shoot mer-istem during floral evocation inSinapis alba. -Physiol. Plant.59: 476–480, 1983.
Pelham, H. R., Jackson, R. J.: An efficient mRNA-dependent translation system from re-ticulocyte lysate.-Europe. J. Biochem.67: 247–256, 1976.
Pernès, J.: Genetic systems involved in the flowering process. -Coll. int. C.N.R.S. 285 (Physio-logie de la floraison section 6): 209–241, 1979.
Sheridan, W. F., Neuffer, M. G.: Maize developmental mutants embryos unable to form leaf primordia. -J. Hered.73: 318–329, 1982.
Sussex, I. M.: Do concepts of animal development apply to plant systems? -Brookhaven Symposium in Biology n∘ 25. Basic Mechanisms in Plant Morphogenesis. Pp. 145–151. Bookhaven nat. Laboratory Publ. Upton, New York 1974.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Delaigue, M., Poulain, T., Dabat, P. et al. Regulation of flower organogenesis: Phytohormone control of mRNA populations during sexual differentiation inMercurialis annua L.. Biol Plant 28, 23–30 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885314
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885314