The asymmetric shape of the Antirrhinum corolla is determined by genes
acting differentially along the dorsoventral axis of the flower, Gene
s so far identified determine asymmetry by acting in dorsal regions. W
e describe a gene, divaricata, which in contrast to previously identif
ied genes acts in ventral regions of the flower. We show by the analys
is of mutant combinations that the divaricata gene is negatively regul
ated by the dorsal genes cycloidea and dichotoma. In addition, we show
by the analysis of chromosomal duplications that the divaricata gene
acts in a dosage-dependent manner, suggesting that the level of its pr
oduct is critical for determining ventral identities.