Arabidopsis trichomes (or leaf hairs) are single-celled epidermal projections typically found with three

branches in a “Y” configuration. Trichome development and patterning on the Arabidopsis leaf is a
classic case study in plant development. The genes GLABRA1 (or GLABROUS1/GL1) and TRANSPARENT
TESTA GLABRA1 (TTG1) result in a similar trichome-less phenotype in loss-offunction gl1 or ttg1
mutants. What does this imply about their function? In this case, what is the difference between the
two and how do they work together to determine trichome spacing on leaves? There are two other
genes which work together in concert with GL1 and TTG1 to bring about trichome spacing. Which genes
are these and what are their specific functions?

A) Since structure defines function, the structure of GLABROUS 1

b)

c)

References:

http://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9XGN1