Abstract
Streptocarpus (Gesneriaceae) is unique, as some of these species form leaves without shoot apical meristem (SAM). Such processes are analyzed with Streptocarpus rexii, a rosulate species.
To this aim, first, meristematic regions in the seedlings have been identified by incorporating BrdU into tissues and their locations were illustrated by the 3-D program. Simultaneously the 3-D location of groove meristem (GM) was constructed. After merging these two figures, the relationship between the meristematic regions and GM has been visualized.
Subsequently, after isolating homologs for class 1 KNOX-like gene, KNAT1 and MYB-like transcriptional factor, PHANTASTICA, locations of expressions of these genes were identified in the tissues by in situ hybridization. These outcomes suggest the GM is a kind of temporally appeared SAM and seems to move in the tissues. Such similarity and dissimilarity of the leaf formation of this plants will interpreted from the viewpoints of Evo-Devo concept.
