The role of floral meristems in patterning

The flower is one of the most complex and varied structures found in plants . Over the past decade, we have begun to understand how floral patterning i s established in a handful of model species. Recent studies have identified the presence of several potential pathways for organ patterning. Many gene s that are involved in these pathways have been cloned, providing opportuni ties for further fruitful investigations into the genetic components of flo wer development.