Abstract
A double flower mutant (flora pleno; fp) of the common morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) shows transformation of stamens to petals and they fused with original petals. The tip of pistil often converts to sepal like organ. The fp mutation was caused by inactivation of an ortholog of DUPLICATED (DP) which belongs to a C-function MADS-box gene in the Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil). Phenotypic and molecular analyses revealed that the fp mutant had an insertion of a novel Helitron-related transposable element (Helip). Although only a possible example of transposition of Helitron was reported in maize, Helip element in the fp gene excise frequently and the reverted region was completely repaired. Possible mechanisms for weak phenotype of fp mutation will be discussed.
