Abstract

RIVAROLA, Ana; SSCUTT, Charles  and  RIVAROLA, Cynthia. Advances in understanding the development and evolution of the carpel in angiosperms: a molecular and phylogenetic review. Rev. Soc. cient. Parag. [online]. 2026, vol.31, e3105.  Epub Feb 18, 2026. ISSN 0379-9123.  https://doi.org/10.32480/rscp.2026.e3105.

The flower is one of the most complex and evolutionarily significant structures in angiosperms, and its origin remains one of the most enduring mysteries in plant biology. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of carp el development, a key floral organ essential for reproduction and a defining feature of angiosperms. We explore the genetic regulation of the gynoecium in Arabidopsis thaliana, compare carpel developmental networks across model and non-model species-including basal angiosperms and gymnosperms-and highlight the importance of emerging alternative models for evolutionary developmental studies. We also review methodological innovations such as next-generation sequencing, phylogenomic reconstruction, and functional studies that are contributing to the reconstruction of the ancestral gene regulatory networks (GRNs) involved in carpel formation. By integrating interdisciplinary evidence, this review aims to shed light on the evolutionary trajectory of female reproductive structures in flowering plants and their broader implications for floral diversification.

Keywords : carpel; angiosperms; floral evoluion; MADS-box genes; gene regulatory networks; model species.

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