Rezende Fernanda M, Rossi Magdalena, Furlan Cláudia M
Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, SP, Brazil.
Plants (Basel). 2025 Jul 15;14(14):2185. doi: 10.3390/plants14142185.
Floral pigmentation contributes directly to reproductive strategies and fitness by shaping pollinator behaviour, and its regulation therefore represents a critical aspect of flower development. Additionally, it is a major determinant of aesthetic and economic value in the ornamental plant industry. This review explores the genetic, biochemical, and ecological bases of floral colour change, focusing on the biosynthesis and regulation of the three major classes of plant pigments: carotenoids, flavonoids (particularly anthocyanins), and betalains. These pigments, derived from primary metabolism through distinct biosynthetic pathways, define the spatial and temporal variability of floral colouration. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying flower colour change from opening to senescence, highlighting pigment biosynthesis and degradation, pH shifts, metal complexation, and co-pigmentation. Additionally, we address the regulatory networks, including transcription factors (MYB, bHLH, and WDR) and post-transcriptional control, that influence pigment production. Finally, we provide a comprehensive survey of angiosperm species exhibiting dynamic petal colour changes, emphasizing how these mechanisms are regulated.
花色色素沉着通过塑造传粉者行为直接影响生殖策略和适合度，因此其调控是花朵发育的一个关键方面。此外，它是观赏植物产业美学和经济价值的主要决定因素。本综述探讨了花色变化的遗传、生化和生态基础，重点关注植物三大类色素的生物合成和调控：类胡萝卜素、黄酮类化合物（特别是花青素）和甜菜色素。这些色素通过不同的生物合成途径从初级代谢衍生而来，决定了花色的时空变异性。我们讨论了花朵从开放到衰老过程中花色变化的分子机制，重点介绍色素的生物合成和降解、pH值变化、金属络合和共色素作用。此外，我们还探讨了影响色素产生的调控网络，包括转录因子（MYB、bHLH和WDR）和转录后调控。最后，我们全面综述了表现出花瓣动态颜色变化的被子植物物种，强调了这些机制是如何被调控的。
