The spikelet meristem (SM) plays a central role during the development of grass inflorescence. Meristems are plant cells or tissues that have the capacity to produce new organs—in this case, spikelets. To do this, however, cells destined to become SM must first attain the SM identity. This is achieved, among other things, by gene regulation. As a result, cells develop normally from meristem to organ. The process thus runs from the undifferentiated plant cell to the differentiated organ.
Click here for original story, Scientists discover gene associated with slim inflorescence shape of barley
Source: Phys.org