Transcription factors (TFs) are key players in evolution. Changes affecting their function can
yield novel life forms but may also have deleterious effects. Consequently, gene duplication
events that release one gene copy from selective pressure are thought to be the common
mechanism by which TFs acquire new activities. Here, we show that LEAFY, a major
regulator of flower development and cell division in land plants, underwent changes to its
DNA binding specificity, even though plant genomes generally contain a single copy of the …

Transcription factors are key players in evolution. Changes affecting their function can yield
novel life forms but also have deleterious effects. Consequently, gene duplication events
that release one gene copy from selective pressure are thought to be the common
mechanism by which transcription factors acquire new activities. Here we show that LEAFY,
a major regulator of flower development and cell division in land plants, underwent changes
to its DNA binding specificity, even though plant genomes generally contain a single copy of …