regulatory gene

The researchers found that this convergent evolution is likely related to changes in the number of copies and the expression patterns of the floral regulatory gene, CYC2.

They learned that this switch acts on the key memory regulatory gene Tcf7.

Modifying one such regulatory gene in maize gives a 10% higher yield—a major gain compared with the 1% increase per year achieved by traditional plant breeding.

For example, the analysis found that coelacanths and tetrapods share a regulatory gene sequence that helps to promote limb development.