Plant growth homeostasis is controlled by the Arabidopsis BON1 and BAP1 genes

Abstract

Wild-type Arabidopsis plants maintain a relatively constant size over a wide range of temperatures. Here we show that this homeostasis requires the BONZAI1 (BON1) gene because bon1 null mutants make miniature fertile plants at 22 degrees C but have wild-type appearance at 28 degrees C. The expression of BON1 and a BON1-associated protein (BAP1) is modulated by temperature. Thus BON1 and BAP1 may have a direct role in regulating cell expansion and cell division at lower temperatures. BON1 contains a Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid-binding domain and is associated with the plasma membrane. It belongs to the copine gene family, which is conserved from protozoa to humans. Our data suggest that this gene family may function in the pathway of membrane trafficking in response to external conditions.