Question

What is the "ABC" model of floral development, and what species served as the original exemplar for this?

   What is the "ABC" model of floral development, and what species served as the original exemplar for this?

Plant Systematics

Plant Systematics

Michael G. Simpson 2nd Edition

Chapter 6, Problem 6

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It was proposed by scientists Elliot Meyerowitz and Enrico Coen in 1991. According to the ABC model, floral organ identity is determined by the combination of three classes of genes: A, B, and C. Each class of genes is responsible for specifying the identity of a Show more…

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What is the "ABC" model of floral development, and what species served as the original exemplar for this?

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Key Concepts

ABC Model of Floral Development

The ABC model is a conceptual framework that explains how the identity of floral organs is specified by the combinatorial action of three classes of genes—A, B, and C. According to this model, A genes alone specify sepals, A and B genes together specify petals, B and C genes together determine stamens, and C genes govern the formation of carpels. This model has been fundamental in understanding the genetic control of flower development and demonstrates how overlapping gene expression domains contribute to the establishment of distinct organ identities.

Model Organism (Arabidopsis thaliana)

Arabidopsis thaliana is the species that served as the original exemplar for the ABC model of floral development. Its use as a model organism is due to its relatively simple genome, short life cycle, and extensive genetic resources, which have allowed researchers to perform detailed genetic analyses. Studies in Arabidopsis have been instrumental in elucidating the roles of A, B, and C class genes in flower formation, making it a cornerstone in plant developmental genetics research.

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