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The Superman gene (also SUPERMAN or SUP) in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana which plays a role in controlling the boundary between stamen and carpel development in a flower.[1] It is named for the comic book character Superman, and because of this, the related gene KRYPTONITE and the related Clark Kent alleles were named accordingly.[2] The superman gene encodes a transcription factor, which binds to the DNA via a zinc finger binding motif.[3] Similar, homologous genes are known in the petunia[4] and snapdragon,[5] which are also involved in flower development, although in both cases there are important differences from the functioning in Arabidopsis. Superman is expressed early on in flower development, in the region of cells which would normally grow into the female reproductive organ (the pistil) of the flower.[6] Superman regulates this development indirectly by interacting with the genes of the ABC model of flower development in a variety of ways, often repressing their expression.[6]
Gene Function
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/ABC_flower_development.svg/202px-ABC_flower_development.svg.png)
SUPERMAN encodes a
Loss of Function Mutation
A mutation named the sup-1 mutation suppresses SUPERMAN gene function, resulting in a lack of repression of APETALA3 in the fourth whorl.[7] This results in flowers that carry extra stamens, which develop instead of the pistil that would normally be developing in the fourth whorl. For the sup-1 mutation, more extreme stamen development is seen from a homozygous mutation than a heterozygous mutation.[6] Additionally, these sup-1 mutations have been seen to directly cause asymmetric growth of the ovules that do manage to form, regardless of APETALA3.[8]
Epigenetic Changes
Superman has been found to undergo to
These Clark Kent alleles can be inherited. However, this change is unstable, and through natural mutation will often revert back to the normal functioning gene at a rate of about 3% per generation.[10]
Interaction with the ABC Model of Flower Development
main article: ABC model of flower development
The gene which Superman interacts with (APETALA3) is a member of the B-Function group of the ABC model of flower development, which is typically responsible for the development of Stamen and Petals.[6] Other important members of the ABC model of flower development include the genes APETALA1, APETALA2, AGAMOUS, and PISTILATA.[6] Superman has not been found to interact as strongly with any of these other genes.
Homologues in Other Species
This pattern of flower development is conserved across many plants, so
References
- ^ "Gene Model: SUP". The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR). 2006-02-01. Retrieved 2007-01-23.
- ^ "Clever Arabidopsis gene names". Clever gene names. Mikael Niku and Mikko Taipale. 2005-12-03. Retrieved 2007-01-23.
- ^ a b "Superman - Gene - NCBI". www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
- ^ PMID 15020746.
- ^ ISSN 1471-0056.
- ^ PMID 23093420.
- ^ PMID 11828022.
- PMID 12242374.
- ^ ISSN 1471-0056.
- PMID 12407189.