Function and evolution of the plant MADS-box gene family

The function of MADS-box genes in flower and fruit development has been uncovered at a rapid pace over the past decade. Evolutionary biologists can now analyse the expression pattern of MADS-box genes during the development of different plant species, and study the homology of body parts and the evolution of body plans. These studies have shown that floral development is conserved among divergent species, and indicate that the basic mechanism of floral patterning might have evolved in an ancient flowering plant.