In reference to the figure above. Plants contain many genetic pathways that over

Question

In reference to the figure above.

Plants contain many genetic pathways that overlap, influence each other, and have synonymous developmental functions. Why would possessing multiple pathways for a single developmental process (eg. flowering) be maintained by a plant over many generations? Explain your reasoning using both evolutionary and genetics terms.

Long Day Pathway CO FT Autonomous Pathway FCA FLC SOC1 Flowering Genes Vernalization Pathway VRN1/VRN2 GA Pathway Gene List: CO FCA OPB FLC FT SHH SOC1 VRN1/VRN BAL COP1

Explanation / Answer

The development of most plants is highly influenced by the environmental conditions. Unlike animals, plants cannot move from one place to another to escape from unfavorable environmental conditions. So, plants have developed a strategy to produce a given type of organ, either a leaf, a flower or a root, through multiple pathways. The type of developmental process for that particular organ will vary according to different environmental cues. These developmental processes are preserved over many generations. This strategy by plants is an opportunistic mechanism to survive under varying environmental conditions.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.