体细胞胚发生相关类受体蛋白激酶(SERK)基因相继地在胡萝卜、拟南芥、水稻等多种植物中克隆和表达, 并被证实是植物界中广泛存在的结构保守基因家族。SERK基因不仅在胚性组织中表达, 还在非胚性组织中表达, 参与了植物胚胎发育、雄性发育、病害防御和信号传导等活动。

Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase(SERK) genes were identified in different plant species, such as Daucus carota, Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. Studies of these genes showed that they have conserved structures and expression patterns. These genes are not only expressed in embryogenic tissues, but also in post-embryogenic development. They function in embryogenesis and reproductive development and defences in particular, related signal transduction pathways.