Abstract
BOP1, BOP2 genes of arabidopsis are required for proper leaf development along with proximal-distal and adaxial-abaxial axes. In recessive bop1bop2 double mutant, ectopic leaf blades are formed along the petiole, and leaf growth continues much longer period than in wild type. Thus, we hypothesized that BOP1, BOP2 are required for determinate leaf development, and are analyzing molecular bases of the indeterminacy of bop1bop2 leaves.
We report that development of axillary meristem (AM) is enhanced at each leaf axil in bop1bop2. In wild type, AM growth is suppressed during vegetative phase. While in bop1bop2, AM development is promoted even at the first foliage leaf. At later positions of axils of foliage leaves, the enhanced AM development is accompanied with ectopic formation of leaf primordia on the base of petiole. Therefore, a part of ectopic leaf blade formation in bop1bop2 might be linked to the AM formation. We also report that gibberellic acid application can suppress the ectopic leaf blade formation. Based on the results, we will discuss relationships among abnormal AM development, ectopic leaf blade formation, and mechanisms responsible for determinate leaf growth.
