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Salk news: Understanding gene function

The Salk Institute's latest study, led by Joseph Ecker, provides a detailed map of Arabidopsis genes and their functions. The team has also identified key molecular pathways involved in ethylene gas signaling, which is crucial for plant growth, yield, and drought tolerance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003

Abnormal plant shows scientists path to plant, animal development

Researchers at Purdue University have identified nine specific genes that are shut off in plants before they develop from embryos to adults. These genes, part of the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) class, are controlled by a master regulator called PKL, which turns them off to allow plants to develop root and leaf systems. The study's findings m...

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJul 8, 2003

Gene may produce drought-resistant plants

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a gene that controls the production of plants' outermost protective coating. By manipulating this gene, they may be able to create crops with increased drought resistance. The study found that altering the gene's expression can result in thicker or more rigid cuticles, reducing water los...

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 21, 2003

Dartmouth researchers find two circadian clocks in the same plant tissue

Researchers found that Arabidopsis plants respond differently to light and temperature signals, with one gene focused on photosynthesis and the other sensitive to temperature. This discovery suggests that plants have multiple internal clocks operating within a single tissue, allowing them to make critical decisions about flowering.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2003

Seeking comfort from the cold

Researchers identified a new transcriptional regulator of CBF genes, ICE1, which increases cold tolerance in Arabidopsis plants. The discovery is expected to provide a new way to improve the ability of domesticated crops to survive in cold temperatures.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 10, 2003

Cost of inbreeding in Arabidopsis

Researchers found mostly beneficial gene substitutions in fruit fly Drosophila, but mostly detrimental substitutions in mustard weed Arabidopsis. The study attributes this difference to the Arabidopsis mating system of partial self-fertilization, which reduces effective population size and increases deleterious mutations.