developmental biology lecture 13

What is the main research focus of the Belmonte Lab?

To identify essential genes for seed development and develop disease-resistant crops.

Why are seeds important for food security?

Seeds account for approximately 75% of the calories consumed by humanity, and we need to produce 70-100% more food by 2050.

What techniques are used to study plant development?

Light and electron microscopy, laser capture microdissection, cloning, GFP, mutants, next generation sequencing, and metabolic profiling.

What is Arabidopsis thaliana?

A model plant for studying development, known for its small size, short generation time, and sequenced genome.

What are the two phases of seed development?

Morphogenesis (zygote to heart) establishes the body plan, and maturation (torpedo to mature green) involves cell expansion and storage reserve accumulation.

What are the three primary tissue systems in plants?

Dermal, vascular, and ground tissue systems.

What is the role of the FASS gene in plant development?

It is involved in the precise pattern formation during cell division.

How does auxin influence cell polarity in plants?

Auxin trafficking controls cell polarity, with its accumulation in the embryo proper being crucial for development.

What is the function of the PIN1 gene?

It encodes an auxin efflux carrier necessary for regulated growth and development.

What happens in gnom mutants?

They show a loss of apical-basal polarity due to defects in vesicle trafficking.

What are shoot apical meristems (SAM)?

Regions in plants that regulate organ formation and maintain undifferentiated stem cell populations.

What are the three layers of the Arabidopsis SAM?

Layer 1 (L1) forms the epidermis, Layer 2 (L2) gives rise to ground tissue, and Layer 3 (L3) forms new tissues including vasculature.

What is the role of the STM gene?

It maintains the undifferentiated stem cell population in the meristem.

What is the effect of over-expressing STM in Arabidopsis?

It increases meristematic activity, resulting in larger SAM and more flowers and fruits.

What do CLAVATA genes regulate?

They limit the size of the shoot meristem and promote organ initiation.

How do WUS and CLV genes interact?

They establish a negative feedback loop between stem cells and the organizing center, balancing organ initiation and self-renewal.

What is the lifecycle of Arabidopsis?

It follows an alternation of generations with haploid (1n) gametophytic and diploid (2n) sporophytic stages.

What are the main stages of plant development?

Fertilization, embryogenesis, germination, growth and development, and gametogenesis.

What is the significance of genetic screening in Arabidopsis?

It helps identify mutations that affect development and allows for the characterization of molecular mechanisms.

What is the role of homeodomain proteins in shoot meristem activity?

They promote the maintenance of undifferentiated cells in the meristem.

What is the impact of environmental constraints on crop production?

Crop production must increase without additional arable land and amidst changing climate and water availability.

What is metabolic profiling in plant studies?

It involves analyzing metabolic pathways and quantifying antioxidants in plants.

How does cell fate determination occur in plants?

It is influenced by cell lineage and the position of the cell within the embryo.

What is the importance of cell division patterns in plant development?

Precise cell division is not always required for pattern formation; cells can adopt identities based on their position and regulatory signals.

What is the significance of Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center (ABRC)?

It provides resources for studying developmental defects in Arabidopsis through genetic screening.

What are the potential agricultural applications of understanding SAM regulation?

Insights into SAM regulation can lead to improved crop yields and enhanced plant traits.

What is the role of metabolic pathways in plant physiology?

They are crucial for the accumulation of storage reserves and overall plant health.

What is the significance of the embryonic development stages in Arabidopsis?

They provide a model for understanding the complexities of plant development and genetic regulation.