An ABA-GA bistable switch can account for natural variation in the variability of Arabidopsis seed germination time.

ABSTRACT: Genetically identical plants growing in the same conditions can display heterogeneous phenotypes. Here we use Arabidopsis seed germination time as a model system to examine phenotypic variability and its underlying mechanisms. We show extensive variation in seed germination time variability between Arabidopsis accessions and use a multiparent recombinant inbred population to identify two genetic loci involved in this trait. Both loci include genes implicated in modulating abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity. Mutually antagonistic regulation between ABA, which represses germination, and gibberellic acid (GA), which promotes germination, underlies the decision to germinate and can act as a bistable switch. A simple stochastic model of the ABA-GA network shows that modulating ABA sensitivity can

SUBMITTER: Abley K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8169117 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature