Role of flavonoids and ethylene regulation of flavonoid synthesis

Dr. Gloria Muday

Role of flavonoids and ethylene regulation of flavonoid synthesis - by Candace Pritchard (and PLSC689A)

Transport of the plant phytohormone auxin is important for many aspects of plant growth, including embryogenesis, vascular differentiation, organogenesis, and tropic responses to environmental stimuli. Regulation of auxin transport by ethylene has been proposed and previous work by Dr. Muday’s group at Wake Forest University has shown that shoot and root gravitropism is negatively regulated by ethylene. Interestingly, following ethylene treatment an increase in flavonoids can be observed. Recent work has shown that accumulation of flavonoids causes decreases in auxin transport, suggesting that they are negative regulators of this process. Specifically, the role of quercetin and kaempferol and their function in a spatio-temporal manner to regulate many processes, including auxin transport was discussed.