Date of Award
Spring 2009
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dorweiler, Jane E.
Second Advisor
Blumenthal, Edward
Third Advisor
Karrer, Kathleen
Abstract
Flowering is a critical transition in the life cycle of Angiosperms. The cycle begins with seed germination and continues as the plant produces vegetative structures such as leaves during its juvenile stage of growth. As the plant becomes competent to reproduce, it enters the adult stage of vegetative growth. Finally the plant begins reproductive growth and flowers which, if fertilization is successful, leads to the production of seed. Plants devote a great deal of resources to reproductive growth and seed production to provide the best possible chances for the success of the progeny. Because flowering is such a critical step in development, once this transition is initiated it typically cannot be reversed. Plants monitor and respond to many conditions, both endogenous and environmental, such that reproduction is stimulated when conditions are optimal...