Latex-containing cells called laticifers are present in at least 41 flowering plant families and are thought to have convergently evolved at least 12 times. These cells are known to function in defense, but little is known about the molecular genetic mechanisms of their development. The expansion of laticifers into their distinctive tube shape can occur through two distinct mechanisms, cell fusion and intrusive growth. The mechanism and extent of intrusive laticifer growth are still being investigated. Hormonal regulation by jasmonic acid and ethylene is important for both laticifer differentiation and latex biosynthesis. Current evidence suggests that laticifers can be specified independently of latex production, but extensive latex production requires specified laticifers. Laticifers are an emerging system for studying the intersection of cell identity specification and specialized metabolism.

中文翻译：

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发展胶水工厂：乳管发育中的开放性问题。

至少有 41 个开花植物家族中存在被称为乳管的含有乳胶的细胞，并且被认为已经聚合进化了至少 12 次。已知这些细胞在防御中起作用，但对其发育的分子遗传机制知之甚少。乳管扩张成其独特的管状可以通过两种不同的机制发生，细胞融合和侵入性生长。侵入性乳管生长的机制和程度仍在研究中。茉莉酸和乙烯的激素调节对于乳管分化和乳胶生物合成都很重要。目前的证据表明，可以独立于乳胶生产来指定乳管，但广泛的乳胶生产需要指定的乳管。