Some species within the Physalis genus, which belongs to the Solanaceae family, share similarities in fruit structure and nutritional value. However, their reproductive organs—such as flowers, berries, and seeds—show significant variation in size, which can be categorized into three distinct groups: large, medium, and small. Despite this observable diversity, the molecular mechanisms that regulate these differences in organ size remain largely unknown.
A recent study conducted by the Institute of Botany at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led by He Chaoying, has shed light on this mystery. The research identified a key gene called Physalis Organ Size 1 (POS1), which plays a critical role in determining the size of reproductive organs in *Physalis philadelphica*. POS1 encodes an AP2-type transcription factor, and its first intron contains a 37-bp regulatory sequence. This sequence is present in one, two, or three tandem copies in the large, medium, and small organ size groups, respectively.
The study found that the copy number of this regulatory sequence is inversely related to the expression level of the POS1 gene. In other words, fewer copies result in higher gene expression, and larger organ sizes are associated with higher expression levels. This discovery highlights how natural variations in regulatory regions can influence gene activity, ultimately shaping the morphological diversity of plant organs.
This research not only reveals a novel genetic mechanism behind organ size variation but also provides new insights into the evolutionary processes that drive morphological diversity in plants. Importantly, this mechanism differs from the well-known genetic pathways involved in tomato domestication, offering a fresh perspective on how such traits are controlled in different species.
The findings have significant implications for both basic plant biology and agricultural applications. By understanding how the POS1 gene regulates organ size, scientists may develop strategies to enhance yield and improve the quality of Physalis crops. This could lead to the creation of high-yield varieties that are more suitable for commercial cultivation, making the study a valuable contribution to both science and agriculture.
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