A mutation at AP2 locus of Arabidopsis confers spermine resistance

A spermine-resistant mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. was isolated from M2 population of ethylmethanesulphonate-mutagenized seeds. The mutant was resistant to seed germination inhibition by spermine, but was as sensitive as the wild-type to spermidine and putrescine. In addition, the mutant displayed developmental abnormalities such as frequent cauline leaves, increased number of branches with inflorescence, reduced apical dominance, flowers subtended by bracts, disrupted floral organs with homeotic conversions. Genetic analysis indicated a single recessive nuclear mutation that was allelic to apetala2-1 (AP2-1). The new mutant allele of AP2 locus was accordingly numbered as AP2-10. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.