Question

How does the shape of orchids relate to gene expression??

Answer 1

Genes code for proteins. The genes an orchid get from its parents contol
how much of the two different types of proteins the flower makes. The shape of the orchid depends on the amount of each protein (L complex or SP complex) the flower has.

Answer 2

The alleles for MADS-box genes get expressed at different levels. They form the “L” complex and the “SP” complex. These are a group of proteins that determine the shape of the petals. The more they L complex is expressed, the high the probability that the petals of the flower will form the ‘lip’ and the high the SP complex is expressed then the high the likelihood of dominant petals.