A single amino acid converts a repressor to an activator of flowering.

ABSTRACT: Homologous proteins occurring through gene duplication may give rise to novel functions through mutations affecting protein sequence or expression. Comparison of such homologues allows insight into how morphological traits evolve. However, it is often unclear which changes are key to determining new functions. To address these ideas, we have studied a system where two homologues have evolved clear and opposite functions in controlling a major developmental switch. In plants, flowering is a major developmental transition that is critical to reproductive success. Arabidopsis phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein homologues TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) and FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) are key controllers of flowering, determining when and where flowers are made, but as opposing functions: TFL1 is a

SUBMITTER: Hanzawa Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1140427 | biostudies-literature | 2005 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature