Phenotypic plasticity for plant development, function and life history

Trends Plant Sci. 2000 Dec;5(12):537-42. doi: 10.1016/s1360-1385(00)01797-0.

Abstract

A single genotype can produce different phenotypes in different environments. This fundamental property of organisms is known as phenotypic plasticity. Recently, intensive study has shown that plants are plastic for a remarkable array of ecologically important traits, ranging from diverse aspects of morphology and physiology to anatomy, developmental and reproductive timing, breeding system, and offspring developmental patterns. Comparative, quantitative genetics and molecular approaches are leading to new insights into the adaptive nature of plasticity, its underlying mechanisms and its role in the ecological distribution and evolutionary diversification of plants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution
  • Genotype
  • Models, Biological
  • Phenotype
  • Plant Development
  • Plant Growth Regulators / physiology
  • Plant Physiological Phenomena*
  • Plants / genetics*

Substances

  • Plant Growth Regulators