Plant development: Elementary changes determine leaf shape complexity

Leaves come in a wide variety of shapes, from simple to lobed to dissected. A new study suggests this variation is determined by a preferred evolutionary genetic pathway that modifies shape by regulating regional growth in the developing leaf. Leaves come in a wide variety of shapes, from simple to lobed to dissected. A new study suggests this variation is determined by a preferred evolutionary genetic pathway that modifies shape by regulating regional growth in the developing leaf. The cellular basis for synergy between RCO and KNOX1 homeobox genes in leaf shape diversityWang et al.Current BiologyAugust 26, 2022In BriefWang et al. use a genetic screen and live imaging to show that synergy of RCO and KNOX1 homeobox genes creates a preferred developmental path for leaflet formation in crucifer plants. The cellular basis for this synergy is a combination of prolonged growth, repressed growth, and anisotropic growth of different cells in the leaf bud. Full-Text PDF Open Access