Maize and barley: Model systems for studies on leaf development

The leaf is used as a model system in developmental studies since its developmental pattern can be easily described in terms of well-defined growth axes. Especially monocot leaves have been extensively studied, in virtue of their patterned morphological and molecular structure. Under this respect, maize and barley show similar developmental behaviors. This report focuses on patterns of development during the induction and growth of two organs of similar structure: the barley lemma-awn complex and the maize leaf.