构树: 一种新型木本模式植物

构树(Broussonetia papyrifera)属于桑科(Moraceae)构属(Broussonetia)多年生乔木, 是一种具有重要价值的多功能树种。构树叶可做蛋白饲料, 树皮是造纸的优质原料, 根、茎、叶、果实及种子均可入药。构树具有分布广和适应性强的特性, 其有性繁殖和无性繁殖迅速, 雌雄异株, 严格异交, 世代周期短, 后代种子数量大, 株型多样, 基因组紧凑, 易转化, 表型性状和遗传多样性丰富, 可以作为研究木质素和纤维素合成、黄酮类和氮代谢、异形叶形成、植物性别分化机制以及植物抗性和环境适应性进化等植物学领域重大关键问题的模式材料。该文重点阐述构树作为模式植物的主要依据, 简要介绍构树的研究进展, 并对今后构树的研究框架进行初步设计。

The Paper Mulberry: a Novel Model System for Woody Plant Research

As a perennial tree, the paper mulberry belongs to the genus Broussonetia in the family Moraceae. It is a multifunctional tree with important economic values. Its leaves are rich in protein. Its bark fiber is excellent raw material for paper making. Its roots, stems, leaves, fruits, and seeds have been used as Chinese traditional medicine. This species has an extensive distribution and strong adaptive traits. It is dioecious, and has sexual and asexual reproduction. It is also rich in genetic diversity and easily transformed. It displays diverse phenotypes and a compact genome, and it produces a great number of seeds per plant. Therefore, as a model plant, the paper mulberry could be used for exploring the mechanism of fibre and lignin synthesis, nitrogenous and flavonoid metabolism, plant resistance, adaptive evolution at different environmental conditions, heterophylly formation and other key issues in botanical research. This paper lists the key features of paper mulberry as a model material, briefly introduces the research progress on this species, and suggests future research directions.