The Roles of MADS-Box Genes During Orchid Floral Development

Abstract

Orchids have flowers of unique beauty that are remarkable for their zygomorphic syndrome, which can be summarized as a floral architecture based on three categories of organs at the perianth: external tepals, internal lateral tepals, and a labellum or lip, a prominent central inner petal believed to be a specialized adaptation that attracts pollinators. These mesmerizing floral traits have enthralled researchers into the study of the orchid homologs of the MADS-box family of genes, which are transcriptional factors believed to be spatiotemporal determinants of organ identity during floral development. The identification of several putative members of the MADS-box family may clarify their potential role in orchid flower development, especially during the transition to flowering and during the patterning of orchid flower organs. Furthermore, we look into new technologies of genome analysis and gene editing in order to appraise potential applications for basic research purposes and for the breeding of new orchid varieties.