A collaborative research group at the Institute of Basic Biology, Kanazawa University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Miyagi University has found that a gene called the MADS-box gene, which helps to make flowers, has a completely different role in flowerless moss plants. Revealed for the first time.

 After 30 years of research, it has become clear that several genes (called the MADS-box gene) work together to produce flowers.However, on the other hand, there is a fact that the MADS-box gene was discovered in ferns that do not have flowers 20 years ago.No clear conclusions have been reached as to how the MADS-box genes work in flowerless plants and how those genes have evolved to produce flowers. rice field.

 Therefore, this time, the joint research group analyzed all six MADS-box genes of the flowerless moss plant Physcomitrella patens, and these genes are related to "cell division and elongation of foliage" and "movement of sperm flagella". For the first time, it was revealed that it has two functions.
Both the foliage and the sperm flagella have degenerated and disappeared in flowering plants (evolved to adapt to dryness).From this, it was found that the MADS-box gene, which worked in the foliage and sperm flagella, was no longer needed during evolution, and it was reused for another function, and it is highly possible that the flower evolved.

 This research result was published in the international academic journal "Nature Plants" on January 2018, 1.

Paper information:[Nature Plants] Physcomitrella MADS-box genes regulate water supply and sperm movement for fertilization

Tokyo Institute of Technology

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Tokyo Institute of Technology was established as the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1881 (Meiji 14), when modernization of industry was an urgent need.Since its establishment, it has continued to produce excellent research results with excellent science and engineering human resources, and is still at the top of Japan's science and engineering universities.Tokyo Institute of Technology requires not only a high degree of specialization but also liberal arts […]

Kanazawa University

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Kanazawa University, which boasts a history and tradition of more than 150 years, has a basic philosophy of "a research university that emphasizes education that is open to the region and the world," and is rich in humanity with specialized knowledge, problem-seeking ability, international sense, and ethical standards. By fostering talented human resources, we aim to become a "Kanazawa University that lives globally" and a "knowledge base in East Asia" [...]

Miyagi University

Learn rich humanity, advanced expertise, and practical skills at the ever-changing base of knowledge

Nursing practice group, business concept study group, food industry study group 3 groups 6 classes are set.We will develop new education based on the school group and school system, and you will be able to receive a wide variety of specialized education that transcends the boundaries of the school. In the 1st and 2nd year, "Freshman Core" is set up in the compulsory subject group to acquire technical knowledge, academic knowledge, and practical knowledge.Based on advanced practice […]

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