Molecular and Genetic Analysis of Petal Growth in Arabidopsis

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This project is focused on understanding how plant organs grow and attain their final shape. In particular, this work is focused on the growth of petals in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Petals are excellent organs for studies such as these because they are accessible and are not essential for plant reproduction. In particular, this project will examine the role of two genes that function to control petal growth. The first gene is a micro-RNA gene (miR319a) that functions by regulating a set of DNA binding transcription factor genes of the TCP family. The second gene, named DORNRÖSCHEN-LIKE (DRNL), is a DNA binding transcription factor. When either the miR319a or DRNL gene is inactivated, the petals develop, but do not attain the normal shape. However, when both miR319a and DRNL are inactivated together, the petals are reduced to very small filamentous structures. The work in this project is focused on understanding how the genetic and molecular pathways controlled by miR319a and DRNL function together to control the growth of petals. This project has several broader impacts. First, this work is important because it will contribute to our knowledge about how plant organs attain their shape. A more detailed understanding of plant growth in petals will increase our knowledge of the growth of more agriculturally important plant organs such as leaves, fruits, and seeds, three key components of the human diet. Second, this project will provide training for several graduate students and undergraduate students. Third, the primary outreach activity of this project involves participation in a summer professional development workshop for high school teachers from Vermont and New Hampshire, many of whom are from under-resourced public schools.