| Abstract Detail
Genetics Section Winther, Jennifer [1], Kramer, Elena M [2]. B and C class MADS-box Gene Diversity in Gymnosperms. Gymnosperms and angiosperms share a common ancestor around 300 MYA and the genetic system for the specification of gymnosperm and angiosperm reproductive organ identity appears to have been invented from a functionally related system in the common ancestor to all seed plants. In angiosperms floral organ identity is primarily determined by interactions of five type II MADS box genes (ABCDE) and clear homologs of the A/E, B and C/D lineages are found in gymnosperms. However, based on limited sampling of MADS-box gene diversity in gymnosperms, it is difficult to make generalizations about the evolutionary and developmental role of MADS-box genes in seed plants. This study focuses on ascertaining the phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution of B and C-class genes from diverse lineages of gymnosperms including Pinaceae and Non-Pinaceae conifers. Preliminary results suggest that C-like gene evolution is more complex than previously thought in gymnosperms. Furthermore, increased sampling of B-like genes from gymnosperms is helping to resolve the complex relationships among gymnosperm GGM2-like, DAL12-like, and CJMADS1-like clades and angiosperm B-class genes. This work establishes a broader phylogenetic framework that will advance the study of the evolution and development of seed plant reproductive structures and enable us to address questions of the evolution of diverse reproductive structures in extant gymnosperms.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Harvard University, Arnold Arboretum, Biolabs Room 1112, 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
2 - Harvard Univerisity, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 16 Divinity Ave, Biolabs 1109, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA
Keywords:
mads-box
gymnosperms.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 5
Location: 182/I K Barber
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2008
Time: 11:30 AM
Number: 5014
Abstract ID:758 |
