While the role of proteins in determining cell identity has been extensively studied, the contribution of small noncoding RNA molecules such as miRNAs and siRNAs has been also recognised. miRNAs bind to complementary sites in target mRNA molecules to trigger the degradation or translational inhibition of those targets. Recent studies have revealed that miRNAs play pivotal roles in key developmental processes such as patterning of the embryo, meristem, leaf, and flower. Furthermore, these miRNAs have been recruited throughout plant evolution into pathways that create diverse plant organ forms and shapes. This review focuses on the roles of miRNAs in establishing plant cell identity during key plant development processes and creating morphological diversity during plant evolution.

尽管已经广泛研究了蛋白质在确定细胞身份中的作用，但人们也认识到小的非编码RNA分子（例如miRNA和siRNA）的贡献。miRNA与目标mRNA分子中的互补位点结合，以触发这些目标的降解或翻译抑制。最近的研究表明，miRNA在关键的发育过程中起着关键作用，例如胚胎，分生组织，叶和花的模式。此外，这些miRNA已在整个植物进化过程中被募集到形成多种植物器官形式和形状的途径中。这篇综述着重于miRNA在关键植物发育过程中建立植物细胞身份以及在植物进化过程中创造形态多样性方面的作用。