Abstract
Leaves of terrestrial plants have diverse and complex patterns of leaf venation. Although many descriptive studies of venation exist, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of venation pattern. The Arabidopsis vascular-enhancer-trap line, in which GFP is expressed specifically in the procambium and young vasculature, was mutagenized with EMS. By observing GFP-lit-up veins in leaves, we are screening mutants defective in vascular development. We obtained mutants and classified them into at least three groups according to their phenotypes. In group 1 mutants, there are fewer veins in leaves (nov, 1B-22, 2B-17, 3B-55, 621C-27, 623A-11). In group 2 mutants, veins in leaves are fragmented (621A-4, 621B-25, 621C-6, 621C-20, 622B-2). In group 3 mutants, veins in leaves are thicker (1B-11, 1D-1, 622A-3). Characterization of phenotypes of these mutants and mapping the mutant loci are in progress. We will discuss possible functions of the affected genes in vascular development.
