Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

HALL , JOCELYN C [1], Pilieci, Stephanie [1], Patchell, Melanie [2].

Floral evolution in Cleomaceae.

Members of Cleomaceae exhibit variation in floral symmetry, stamen number, and nectar gland characteristics.  Cleomaceae is a promising model to investigate morphological variation because genomic resources are building and it is sister to Brassicaceae.  We are broadly interested in the basis for floral variation in the family with emphasis on floral symmetry.  Most species of Cleomaceae are monosymmetric due to the perianth and reproductive whorls curving upwards.  Some species have additional floral features that impact symmetry including a large adaxial nectary gland and/or differences between adaxial and abaxial petal color and shape. Within the Cleomaceae similar mature morphologies are the result of different developmental pathways.  We build on our previous developmental studies with detailed examination of mature flowers to further quantify the shape and symmetry of two species, Cleome violacea and Polanisia dodecandra.  We also establish gene expression patterns of candidate genes in Cleome violacea with qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization experiments.  Specifically, we investigate the role of the TCP transcription factor family in establishing floral monosymmetry within Cleomaceae.  The TCP family has been recruited to establish monosymmetry in many taxa across angiosperms including Brassicaceae.  We also conducted virus-induced gene silencing (VIGs) experiments to characterize gene function and to examine the hypothesis that a TCP member may be responsible for floral monosymmetry in C. violacea.  Preliminary results reveal that TCP contributes towards establishing monosymmetry in C. violacea, but intriguing patterns of B-class genes suggest these candidates need to be examined in more detail.  We will compare these results to other members of Cleomaceae that exhibit a different developmental pathway to monosymmetry.

1 - University of Alberta, Biological Sciences, CW 405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
2 - University Of Alberta, Biological Sciences, CW 405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada

Keywords:
Cleomaceae
floral symmetry
floral evolution.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 41
Location: Payette/Boise Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 30th, 2014
Time: 2:30 PM
Number: 41005
Abstract ID:585
Candidate for Awards:None