Mob1 Genes Play Crucial Role in Plant Cell Growth and Development

Scientists have investigated the function of a Mob1-like gene (At5g45550) in Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering plant commonly used as a model organism in plant biology research. The results of the study, published in the journal Gene, reveal that the Mob1-like gene plays a vital role in regulating cell expansion and cell division in plants. The researchers found that silencing the gene resulted in reduced radial expansion of the inflorescence stem and primary root, as well as reduced fertility in the plants.

Key Takeaways:

• The Mob1-like gene (At5g45550) in Arabidopsis thaliana is involved in regulating cell expansion and cell division.
• RNAi silencing of the Mob1-like gene resulted in reduced radial expansion of the inflorescence stem and primary root.
• The fertility of plants with silenced Mob1-like gene was very low, with only 2% of the progeny being fertile.
• The female and male sporogenesis was affected differently, with ovules developing irregularly and megaspores degenerating prematurely.
• Up to 20% of ovules produced binucleated megaspores that failed to develop, while about 30% of anthers produced aborted pollen grains.

Statistics:

• 2% of the progeny of AtMob1-like RNAi silenced plants were fertile.
• Up to 20% of ovules produced binucleated megaspores that failed to develop.
• About 30% of anthers produced aborted pollen grains.
• The radial expansion of the inflorescence stem was reduced by RNAi silencing of the Mob1-like gene.
• The primary root elongation zone was also reduced in plants with silenced Mob1-like gene.

Sources:

• G. Galla et al. (2011). (Sporophytic and gametophytic functions of the cell cycle-associated Mob1 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana L.). Gene, 484(1-2), 1-12.
• University of Ghent, Faculty Bioscience Engineering, Dept. of Plant Prod, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
• Elsevier Science Bv, PO Box 211, 1000 Ae Amsterdam, Netherlands.