Abstract Detail

Functional Genetics/Genomics

Cronin, Paul [1], Preston, Jill [2].

Functional characterization of candidate petal fusion genes in Petunia axillaris.

The repeated evolution of fused petals (sympetaly) from unfused (choripetalous) ancestors is hypothesized to have augmented flowering plant diversification through increased specialization by animal pollinators. Petals in choripetalous species, including many rosid core eudicots, are initially separated through growth suppression in the boundary region between primordia. In contrast, most sympetalous asterid core eudicots form a ring primordium beneath discrete petal primordia that will go on to form the proximal corolla tube. Although much is known about petal organogenesis from studying the choripetalous species Arabidopsis thaliana (rosid), the type of genetic rewiring required to promote growth of a fused tube is poorly understood. To identify candidate genes that potentially distinguish free from fused regions of the corolla, we have carried out differential gene expression analyses on the proximal (fused) versus distal (free) regions of early developing Petunia axillaris (Solanaceae) petals. We predict that virus-induced-silencing of a subset of these genes that are known growth regulators - including members of the KNOX, BELL, TCP, GATA, and zinc finger transcription factor families - will result in changes in the presence or degree of sympetaly.

1 - University of Vermont, Plant Biology, 306 Jefford's Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States
2 - University Of Vermont, Plant Biology, 63 Carrigan Drive, 111 Jeffords Hall, Burlington, VT, 05405, United States

Keywords:
Functional genomics
Petunia axillaris
Sympetaly
development
Evolution
VIGS.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Functional Genetics and Genomics
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PCG006
Abstract ID:827
Candidate for Awards:None