花色变异的分子基础与进化模式研究进展

近年来国际上风行的生态学与进化生物学的学科整合已成为生物学发展的一个趋势。寻找适合的生物学系统来进行从表型到基因型的综合研究是推动这一整合向纵深发展的一项必要的和带探索性的工作。被子植物花色的形成机理和有关代谢途径上的结构和调控基因在若干模式植物中已有相当了解,使花色成为适合生态与进化生物学研究的一个首选性状, 为进一步了解野生种中花色的形成机制奠定了基础。本文着重介绍旋花科(Convolvulaceae)番薯属(Ipomoea)花青素代谢途径的分子遗传学、生物化学和生态学工作, 试图从多学科的角度提供有关花色自然变异的知识背景, 并指出未解决的生物学问题和预期今后可能出现的发展。

Advances in Molecular Basis and Evolution of Floral Color Variation

A prevalent trend in recent biological developments is the integration between ecology and evolutionary biology. To further investigate the integration, exploratory studies are needed for linking phenome to genome with suitable biological systems. Biochemistry of floral pigmentation and genetics of the anthocyanin pathway, including regulatory and structural genes in several model angiosperms, have made floral color a preferred trait for ecological and evolutionary research, which may lead to further understanding of how floral color varies among wild species. Our review focuses on the genetic, biochemical and ecological aspects of the anthocyanin pathway in Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae), to provide some background information on the natural variation of floral color from multi-disciplinary angles. We also discussed unsolved issues and possible future developments.