Mating Structure and Inbreeding Depression in the Moss, Ceratodon purpureus

肖氏9407937 这项资助支持的研究将确定苔藓，Ceratodon purpureus的相关个体之间的交配是否会导致后代比无关个体之间的交配更不适合。 此外，两个种群内的杂交育种的实际模式将进行调查，以将实验结果与自然栖息地的植物。 这项研究包括种植已知家族血统的植物，进行杂交，并测量不同交配后代的生存能力和生育能力。 因为研究的生物体是单倍体 (i.e.,细胞含有一组染色体，而不是像大多数植物和动物那样含有两组染色体），人们期待着对近亲交配的遗传后果有新的认识。 虽然这项研究解决了基本的科学问题，但了解不同交配模式的影响对一系列应用问题至关重要，包括保护稀有和濒危植物和动物，以及提高农业产量的最有效育种策略。 对这项研究的资助也为本科生参与生物学研究提供了关键支持。 除了在学年的研究机会，资金支持本科生和主要研究者之间的全职合作在两个夏天。 大学生积极参与科研是促进有前途的青年科学家发展的最有效途径。

Shaw 9407937 Research supported by this grant will determine if mating between related individuals of the moss, Ceratodon purpureus, results in offspring that are less fit than mating between unrelated individuals. In addition, actual patterns of interbreeding within two populations will be investigated in order to relate experimental results to plants in natural habitats. The research involves growing plants of known familial pedigree, conducting crosses, and measuring both viability and fertility in offspring from different matings. Because the study organism is haploid (i.e., cells contain one set of chromosomes rather than two as in most plants and animals), new insights into the genetic consequences of consanguineous mating are expected. Although this research addresses basic scientific questions, understanding the effects of different mating patterns is critical to a range of applied issues including the conservation of rare and endangered plants and animals, and the most effective breeding strategies for increased agricultural production. Funding for this research also provides critical support for involvement of undergraduate students in biological research. In addition to research opportunities during the academic year, funding supports full-time collaboration between undergraduate students and the Principle Investigator during two summers. Active undergraduate involvement in research is the most effective way to promote the development of promising young scientists.