DISSERTATION RESEARCH: The developmental genetics of floral size variation in Saltugilia (Polemoniaceae): Linking cellular phenotypes, genetics, floral size, and pollinator shifts

近年来，由于人类活动导致传粉昆虫大量减少，植物与传粉昆虫之间的相互作用受到越来越多的关注。 对于传粉者成功的一个重要特征是花的大小。 本计画将探讨花大小的细胞和遗传基础，因为它与开花植物福禄考家族（花木兰科）中传粉者的选择有关。 本研究的目标是：1）确定Saltugilia属成员之间的系统发育关系，2）使用显微镜技术测量发育花中花瓣表皮细胞的细胞面积，3）基于来自其他物种的数据鉴定并分离负责控制花大小的可能基因，4）确定这些基因在发育中的花和具有不同授粉者的物种中的表达谱，本研究将为共同研究者提供现代遗传学和细胞学技术的培训，并为两名本科生提供实验室技术的培训。 将为高中生开发实践模块，教授DNA提取和聚合酶链反应等常见实验室技术。 将对高中教师进行有关这些协议的培训，以加强这些模块的实施。

The interactions between plants and their pollinators has been gaining increased attention recently due to the recognition of extensive pollinator loss due to anthropogenic activities. One trait that is important for pollinator success is flower size. This project will investigate the cellular and genetic bases of flower size as it relates to selection by pollinators in the phlox family of flowering plants (Polemoniaceae). The goals of this study are: 1) determine the phylogenetic relationships among members of genus Saltugilia, 2) measure cell area of petal epidermal cells in developing flowers using microscopy techniques, 3) identify and isolate the possible genes responsible for the control of flower size based on data from other species, 4) determine the expression profiles of these genes in developing flowers and in species with different pollinators, and 5) demonstrate the function of these genes in regulating floral size.This research will provide the co-PI with training in current genetic and cellular techniques, in addition to training two undergraduates in laboratory techniques. Hands-on modules for high school students will be developed to teach common laboratory techniques such as DNA extractions and polymerase chain reaction. High school teachers will be trained in these protocols to increase the implementation of the modules.