XVI International Botanical Congess

Genetic analysis in Brassicas is well placed to take advantage of their close evolutionary relationship with Arabidopsis. However, comparisons are complicated by the finding that single copy genes in Arabidopsis are typically represented by three copies in the diploid Brassica genomes. The presence of multiple copies of genes has many implications for plant development, gene function and the ability to shuttle between the Arabidopsis and Brassica genomes. As part of our interest in the morphological variation in B. oleracea (cauliflower, calabrese, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi and various kales), we are investigating the copy number, structure, function, distribution and expression of LEAFY and several MADS box homeotic genes.