| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Viaene, Tom [1], Geuten, Koen [1], Smets, Erik [2]. Molecular evolution of class B MADS-box genes in basal asterids. IT seems obvious that the morphological diversity of flowers can be explained by a variation in genes and genetic interactions. In model plants, a network of key genetic regulators of flower development has been elucidated. Most of these regulators belong to a single gene family, MADS-domain transcription factors. Within that network, class B genes establish the identity of petals and stamens. However, hardly anything is known about the evolution of the network that shaped the morphological diversity of flowers. Some basal asterid families share a number of stamen and petal morphological characters with both rosids and asterids. In order to understand the morphological variation of these basal asterid flowers (Cornales and Ericales), we study the diversity and molecular evolution of B-function genes within this group.
In a first stage, we want to construct a stable hypothesis of the evolution of class B genes (DEFICIENS- and GLOBOSA-homologues) from the basal asterids. A good understanding of the evolutionary history of these genes will enable us to identify duplication events within the DEFICIENS- and GLOBOSA-lineages. These duplications could also help us to contribute to the phylogeny of the basal asterids. Uptill now, we cloned class B homologues from eight different Ericales-families (Balsaminaceae, Marcgraviaceae, Polemoniaceae, Lecythidaceae, Ebenaceae, Theophrastaceae, Myrsinaceae and Clethraceae). Several duplication events were identified during the evolution of DEFICIENS and GLOBOSA within these families.
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1 - Laboratory of Plant Systematics, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001 Leuven (Heverlee), , Belgium
2 - National Herbarium of the Netherlands, Leiden University branch, P.O.Box 9514, Leiden, NL-2300 RA, Netherlands
Keywords:
basal asterids
class B MADS-box genes.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: 48-144
Location: Auditorium/Bell Memorial Union
Date: Tuesday, August 1st, 2006
Time: 12:30 PM
Abstract ID:298 |
