Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Ventura, Kayla [1], Landis, Jacob [2], Soltis, Douglas [3], Soltis, Pamela S. [4].

Cell number or cell shape: which has a larger effect on flower size in Gilia (Polemoniaceae)?

The focus of this project is to investigate the cellular component of flower size differences in Gilia, a member of the flowering plant family Polemoniaceae. Gilia exhibits a range of flower sizes from 0.48 cm to 2.9 cm in length, with flowers of different sizes often having different pollinators. Confocal microscopy was used to address whether differences in flower size among species of Gilia are determined by changes in the number of cells, the size of cells, or a combination of the two Twenty species of Gilia were grown in the greenhouse, and flower material was collected and preserved in a glutaraldehyde fixative. Cells were visualized on a confocal microscope following an established protocol for staining the material to enhance cell wall visualization. The images were analyzed using the program FIJI to measure cell size (area) and cell number. The results were compared with those of a study investigating similar transitions in flower size in Saltugilia, the sister group of Gilia. This comparison will allow inference into whether the mechanisms controlling flower size variation in Polemoniaceae are shared among clades or vary, resulting in convergent evolution. This study will help lay the foundation for investigating the genetic basis of flower size, which is poorly understood.

1 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, Dickinson Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
2 - University Of Florida, Dept Of Biology, Florida Museum Of Natural History - Dickinson Hall, Museum Road And Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
3 - University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History, 1659 Museum Road, Dickinson Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
4 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, PO Box 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7800, USA, 352/273-1964

Keywords:
Gilia
Polemoniaceae
evo devo
corolla.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEV001
Abstract ID:325
Candidate for Awards:None