In plants that are unable to make EPFL2, auxin spreads across the margin of the leaf and thus, leaf teeth are not generated due to the absence of different auxin concentrations across different regions. This type of mutual relationship, where two substances inhibit each other is called feedback control and is a common mechanism found in various processes, such as shaping of the body and the circadian clock. Since EPFL2 is not synthesized at the tip of the leaf teeth but is only present at the skirts of the teeth, this prevents the accumulation of auxin at the skirts of the tip. EPFL2 inhibits the accumulation of auxin at skirts of tooth tips. Leaves (2-7 long) are sharply pointed at the tips. This difference in the concentration of auxin is necessary for the development of leaf protrusions. This species is distinguished by its zigzag stems and its toothed, broad-ovate leaves. Auxin is known to accumulate at the tips of leaf protrusions for plants under growth, and does not accumulate in the surrounding skirts of the tip. Auxin is responsible for the edges to protrude and grow into leaf teeth. In other words, growth in some parts of the leaf is enhanced whereas growth in other parts is suppressed to create protrusions and dents in leaves, respectively. For the leaf to gain its shape, the leaf starts from a small round shape and growth in specific parts of the leaf are controlled as the plant grows. Solidago flexicaulis, commonly called Zig Zag Goldenrod, is a woodland Goldenrod that forms an attractive patch with finely-serrated oval leaves and spikes. Like the plant hormone auxin, EPFL2 is secreted from plants. One of the most distinctive characteristics of any plant, whether it’s a tree, bush, shrub or flower, is its leaves. Other plants with lobed leaves include the sweetgum tree, the tulip poplar and the grape. In plant leaves where the EPFL2 peptide is inactive, the leaf becomes round without teeth. The leaves range from 6 to 14 inches long and, as characteristic of lobed leaves, are often as wide as they are long. In fact, the EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR-LIKE 2 (EPFL2) peptide and its receptor protein, ERECTA family receptor kinases, control the amount of auxin during leaf tooth growth. The plant hormone auxin has been known to take part in the development of leaf teeth, but EPFL2 peptide is the key element responsible for creating the teeth-like shapes on plant leaves. Plant teeth have been known to function for some plants as a means for protection, water drainage, and photosynthesis. Examples of plants that contain leaf teeth include cherry blossoms, maples, dandelions and shiso that are used with many Japanese dishes. Many leaves have small zigzags called leaf teeth on their margin. The zigzag edges of leaves, so-called leaf teeth, are important for making the characteristic shapes of each leaf.
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