Understanding:
• Flowering involves a change in gene expression in the shoot apex
Flowers are the reproductive organs of angiospermophytes (flowering plants) and develop from the shoot apex
- Changes in gene expression trigger the enlargement of the shoot apical meristem
- This tissue then differentiates to form the different flower structures – sepals, petals, stamen and pistil
The activation of genes responsible for flowering is influenced by abiotic factors – typically linked to the seasons
- Flowering plants will typically come into bloom when a suitable pollinator is most abundant
- The most common trigger for a change in gene expression is day/night length (photoperiodism)
Flower Development – Scanning Electron Micrograph Timecourse