Flowering Locus T

Definition

Flowering Locus T (FT) is a gene that plays a crucial role in regulating flowering time in plants. It acts as a key integrator of environmental and developmental signals, allowing plants to coordinate their flowering with favorable conditions. FT is part of a signaling pathway that responds to light and temperature cues, influencing the transition from vegetative to reproductive development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FT gene is predominantly expressed in the leaves and is transported to the shoot apical meristem to trigger flowering.
2. FT functions in conjunction with another gene called FLOWERING LOCUS D (FD) to activate floral meristem identity genes.
3. In some plants, such as Arabidopsis, FT expression is upregulated in response to longer days, promoting flowering during spring and summer.
4. Mutation or disruption of the FT gene can lead to delayed flowering or even prevent it altogether, showcasing its vital role in reproductive timing.
5. Different species have evolved various regulatory mechanisms involving FT to adapt to their specific environmental conditions for optimal flowering.

Review Questions

• How does the expression of the Flowering Locus T gene relate to environmental factors like light and temperature?
  • The expression of Flowering Locus T (FT) is closely linked to environmental factors such as light and temperature. FT acts as an integrator of these signals, with its expression typically increasing under longer day lengths or warmer temperatures. This ensures that plants flower at the right time, maximizing reproductive success by aligning flowering with optimal growing conditions.
• Discuss the relationship between Flowering Locus T and the meristem in plant development.
  • Flowering Locus T (FT) plays a pivotal role in determining floral meristem identity. Once expressed in the leaves due to favorable conditions, FT protein is transported to the shoot apical meristem where it interacts with FLOWERING LOCUS D (FD) to activate genes responsible for initiating flower development. This connection illustrates how FT coordinates external signals with internal growth processes, leading to successful reproduction.
• Evaluate the evolutionary significance of the Flowering Locus T gene in various plant species.
  • The evolutionary significance of Flowering Locus T (FT) can be seen in its diverse adaptations across different plant species. As environments vary widely, plants have developed unique regulatory mechanisms involving FT to optimize their flowering times based on local conditions. This flexibility not only aids in survival but also enhances reproductive success by ensuring that flowering occurs when pollinators are available and environmental resources are adequate, highlighting FT's critical role in plant evolution and ecology.

Related terms

Vernalization: The process by which exposure to prolonged cold temperatures triggers flowering in certain plants, often involving the regulation of flowering genes like FT.

Photoperiod: The length of day and night that affects plant development and flowering; FT expression is sensitive to changes in photoperiod.

Meristem: A region of plant tissue where cell division occurs, responsible for growth; the shoot apical meristem is where floral development is initiated.