Homeotic genes are thought to regulate each other. What aspect of the phenotype of apetala2 agamous double mutants indicates that these two genes act antagonistically?

Key Concepts

Homeotic Genes

Homeotic genes are a group of regulatory genes that control the development of anatomical structures in various organisms. They play a crucial role in determining the identity of body parts during embryonic development. In plants, these genes can influence flower morphology, leading to specific arrangements of floral organs.

Antagonistic Gene Interaction

Antagonistic gene interaction occurs when two genes exert opposing effects on a particular trait or phenotype. In the context of the apetala2 and agamous genes, this means that the presence of one gene can suppress or negate the effects of the other, leading to distinct phenotypic outcomes when both are mutated.

Phenotypic Analysis

Phenotypic analysis involves studying the observable characteristics or traits of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. In the case of apetala2 agamous double mutants, examining the resulting flower structure can reveal how these genes interact and provide insights into their functional roles in floral development.