Meristem Identity on Anatomic Sections of Reverted Homeotic Segregants of the Winged Bean...
Meristem Identity on Anatomic Sections of Reverted Homeotic Segregants of the Winged Bean Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus (L.) DC Under Laboratory Conditions. Laboratory investigations on anatomic sections from reverted segregants of the winged bean Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC, homozygous for a recessive homeotic gene in its activated state, revealed two forms of extra-morphologic meristem identity; rhizogenous and vegetative manifest in three steps: extra-vegetative, extra-rhizogenous, and both. This identity, in terms of number of structures at specific anatomic sites, showed significant concentrations at the ovary (i.e. carpel) or fourth floral whorl regions, plus the pre-whorl bracts regions. These results suggest that even in morphologically transformed sections of reverted segregants, anatomic and organ regions (e.g. the four floral whorls) maintain some definitive function or functions.