Key genes affecting the formation of plant stem and leaf

A Japanese research team has announced that they have found key genes that affect the formation of plant stems and leaves, which is expected to provide important clues for the study of plant evolution Plants produce nutrients for growth through photosynthesis In order to compete for more sunlight, plants try to stretch out their stems so that sunlight can shine on their leaves But the plant does not have the stem and leaf in a short time after landing from the water Scientists have been trying to explain how plants evolved stems and leaves According to a press release issued by the Institute of basic biology of the Japanese Natural Science Research Institute, the researchers of the Institute chose bryophyte xiaoliwan as the research object and found that the gene APB is necessary for the formation of stem and leaf Bryophytes are generally recognized as good materials for studying the evolution of plant stems and leaves, because they form protonema with similar cell division and growth patterns as algae living in different living environments, or form stem and leaf bodies with stems and leaves suitable for terrestrial life APB gene can control the function of many other genes In the experiment, the researchers destroyed the APB gene of bryophyte, and Bryophyte could no longer form stem and leaf bodies, but only protonema The researchers believe that the APB gene is likely to play an important role in the initial stage of plant evolution They hope that this achievement can promote the research on the origin of plant stem and leaf.