Roles of sugar metabolism and transport in flower development

Abstract

Flowers, which are primarily heterotrophic, thrive on photosynthates transported to the floral receptacle through the phloem. Once phloem unloading occurs, carbohydrates are distributed to various flower organs to support growth and development. This brief review summarizes how flowers acquire carbohydrates and transport them to different organs and tissues through the coordinated actions of transporters and enzymes, as well as the developmental issues that arise from carbohydrate imbalances. It will also discuss recently discovered transcription factors that regulate carbohydrate utilization in anthers and pistils. Additionally, the review provides an overview of the role of sugars as signaling molecules regulating floral organ development and the interaction between sugars and hormones.