Genes Controlling Inflorescence Structure
and Their Possible Role in Evolution

T. A. Ezhova and O. A. Sklyarova

Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Vorob’evy gory, Moscow, 119899 Russia

Received April 18, 2001

Abstract—Structural features of the shoot system and inflorescence are the most important morphological fea-
tures, on which plant systematics are based. The present review provides information on the genetic control of
shoot morphogenesis in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The results obtained made it possible to reveal
a small group of genes responsible for the main taxonomic features of the shoot structure in this species. Clon-
ing of these genes opened new avenues for directed search of homologous genes in other plants. Comparative
analysis of the shoot structure and studies of the function and expression of these genes in various plants suggest
that morphological evolution may be based on changes in the pattern of expression of single regulatory genes.

Key words: evolution of plant development, genetics of shoot morphogenesis.

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