Bilateral symmetry genes: If they exist, how would we know?

Bilateral symmetry-breaking genes are known in animals and some symmetry transitions are characterized in plants, but genes dedicated to establishing bilateral symmetry remain unidentified.

• Why it matters: The genetic basis of bilaterality is poorly understood, leaving a key gap: we can explain left-right differences, yet not how bilateral symmetry itself is established.
• What they did: This review synthesizes current findings and unresolved questions in animal body plan development and plant organ morphogenesis, using examples from heart positioning and flower symmetry transitions.
• The result: The authors identify a central paradox that guides future research toward discovering bilateral symmetry establishment genes beyond known symmetry-breaking factors.

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