DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Genomic and phenotypic evolution in synthetic and natural allotetraploid Mimulus

全基因组复制，也称为多倍性，在包括大多数有价值的作物在内的各种生物的进化过程中多次发生，并且可能是新性状进化起源的关键机制。 控制新复制基因命运的遗传机制和进化力量，以及这些力量如何导致大规模的基因组变化尚不清楚。 这项研究将利用超高通量DNA测序技术来测试特定的假设，在多倍体进化的新兴模式野花属Mimulus。 将天然存在的多倍性植物中发生的基因组和表型进化与实验产生的合成多倍性植物进行比较。 这项研究将提供新的见解多倍体对生态重要性状的影响，包括影响生物体生存和繁殖的性状与其环境的关系。由于许多作物都是多倍体起源的，因此深入了解多倍体的直接和长期影响可能为作物改良提供有希望的途径。拟议的研究还将为有才华的本科生和高中生提供许多新的途径，以进行生态学，进化，基因组学和生物信息学方面的独立但相关的研究项目。

Whole genome duplication, also known as polyploidy, has occurred many times during the evolution of a wide variety of organisms, including most valuable crops, and may be a critical mechanism for the evolutionary origin of novel traits. The genetic mechanisms and evolutionary forces that govern the fate of newly duplicated genes, and how these forces lead to broad-scale genomic changes are unknown. This study will utilize ultra high-throughput DNA sequencing technology to test specific hypotheses regarding evolution in polyploids in the emerging model wildflower genus Mimulus. The genomic and phenotypic evolution that has taken place in naturally-occurring polyploids will be compared to experimentally-generated synthetic polyploids. This study will provide novel insight into the effects of polyploidy on ecologically-important traits, including traits affecting the survival and reproduction of organisms in relation to their environment. Because many crops are of polyploid origin, a thorough understanding of the immediate and long-term effects of polyploidy may provide promising avenues for crop improvement. The proposed research also will provide many novel avenues for talented undergraduate and high school students to conduct independent, but related research projects in ecology, evolution, genomics, and bioinformatics.