DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Meiosis Gene Evolution in Lichenized Fungi and Algae

减数分裂是一种特殊的细胞分裂，它将细胞DNA含量减半以产生配子，然后在有性繁殖过程中融合。虽然减数分裂很普遍，但有些物种尽管缺乏其他物种减数分裂所需的基因，但仍会进行减数分裂。人们对为什么一些物种失去了减数分裂基因而不是减数分裂基因知之甚少。这个项目将调查地衣，互惠共存的真菌和藻类，是否包含与这种共生形式相关的减数分裂基因的变化。将搜索形成地衣的多种真菌和藻类的DNA，以寻找基因序列。进化分析将比较来自多个地衣的17个减数分裂基因，以确定地衣作用是否与减数分裂基因的丢失或快速序列变化有关。通过表征共生共存对地衣真菌和藻类繁殖的影响，该项目将提供与其他共生生物(例如病原体、互助体)的重要比较。这个项目还将进一步加深我们对减数分裂基因变化的理解，而整个过程保持不变。这项工作的方方面面将纳入正在进行的教育活动，包括高中和本科生研究辅导和年度公开研讨会。

Meiosis is the specialized cell division that halves cell DNA content to generate gametes, which then fused during sexual reproduction. Although meiosis is widespread, some species undergo meiosis despite lacking genes that are required for meiosis in other species. Little is known about why some species have lost meiosis genes but not meiosis. This project will investigate whether lichens, mutually beneficial coexisting fungi and algae, harbor changes in meiosis genes associated with this form of symbiosis. DNA from multiple species of fungi and algae that form lichens will be searched for gene sequences. Evolutionary analyses will compare 17 meiotic genes from multiple lichens to determine whether lichenization is associated with loss or rapid sequence change of meiosis genes. By characterizing the effects of symbiotic coexistence upon lichenized fungal and algal reproduction, this project will provide an important comparison for other symbioses (e.g. pathogens, mutualists). This project will also further our understanding of how meiosis genes vary while the overall process remains intact. Aspects of this work will be incorporated into on-going educational activities, including high school and undergraduate student research mentoring and annual public-access seminars.