Create your own conference schedule! Click here for full instructions

Abstract Detail


Genetics Section

Hawkins, Angela [1], Pepper, Alan [2].

Comparative transcriptome analysis of the serpentine endemic plant Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae (Brassicaceae).

Serpentine soils are derived from ultramafic rock and usually have extremely low levels of essential plant nutrients (e.g. N, P, Ca) and very high to toxic levels of heavy metals (e.g. Ni). Serpentine soil distribution is ubiquitous but patchy, and outcrops are often home to many endemic plant species. In California, serpentine soils account for approximately 1.5% of the total land area however this area is home to 13% of all endemic flora. The Streptanthoid Complex (Brassicaceae, tribe Thelypodieae) is a highly diverse group with approximately 60 taxa, representing at least 6 genera, many which are adapted to harsh or extreme environments. The mechanisms by which Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae (CAB),a serpentine endemic plant, has not only adapted to, but thrives in such soils are being investigated. By comparing CAB toits non-serpentine sister species, Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. amplexicaulis (CAA),the genetic and phenotypic variation that underlies adaptation to serpentine environments will be elucidated. Using both ecologically distinct parents, reference transcriptome assembly has been undertaken. Plants were grown in a variety of environmental conditions (both optimal and stressed) and several different tissue types were harvested for use in subsequent RNA extractions. Reversed transcribed cDNA was amplified and normalized using a duplex-specific nuclease technique, then paired-end sequenced using the next generation Illumina platform. Preliminary comparative analysis of these two closely related but ecologically distinct taxa is presented here.

Broader Impacts:


Log in to add this item to your schedule

1 - Texas A & M University, Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University Dept. Of Biology, 3258 TAMUS, College Station, TX, 77843-3258, USA
2 - Department Of Biology, Texas A&M University, TAMUS 3258, College Station, TX, 77843, USA

Keywords:
serpentine
Brassicaceae
Caulanthus amplexicaulis
transcriptome.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 5
Location: Delaware D/Hyatt
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: 5001
Abstract ID:903


Copyright © 2000-2012, Botanical Society of America. All rights reserved