Abstract
Ovule development in Arabidopsis involves the formation of three morphologically defined proximal-distal pattern elements. Integuments arise from the central pattern element. Analysis of Bell 1 (Bel 1) mutant ovules indicated that BEL1 was required for integument development. Cloning of the BEL1 locus reveals that it encodes a homeodomain transcription factor. Prior to integument initiation, BEL1 RNA localizes to the central domain, providing molecular evidence for a central pattern element. Therefore, proximal-distal patterning of the ovule involves the regulated expression of the BEL1 gene that controls integument morphogenesis. A model for BEL1 function is evaluated with regard to new data showing the expression pattern of the floral homeotic gene AGAMOUS (AG) early in wild-type and BEL1 ovule development.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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AGAMOUS Protein, Arabidopsis
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Arabidopsis / chemistry
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Arabidopsis / embryology
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Arabidopsis / genetics*
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Arabidopsis Proteins
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Base Sequence
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Cell Nucleus / chemistry
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Cloning, Molecular
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DNA, Complementary / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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Genes, Homeobox / genetics
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Genes, Plant / genetics*
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Homeodomain Proteins / analysis
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Mutation
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Ovum / chemistry
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Ovum / growth & development
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Plant Proteins / analysis
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Plant Proteins / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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RNA, Plant / analysis
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / analysis
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis
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Transcription Factors / analysis
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Transcription Factors / genetics*
Substances
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AGAMOUS Protein, Arabidopsis
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Arabidopsis Proteins
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BEL1 protein, Arabidopsis
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DNA, Complementary
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Plant Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Plant
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Transcription Factors