The biosynthesis and evolution of novel semiochemicals in orchids

兰花新型化学信息素的生物合成和进化

• 批准号: DP150102762
• 负责人: Prof Rod Peakall
• 金额: $ 45万
• 依托单位: The Australian National University
• 依托单位国家: 澳大利亚
• 项目类别: Discovery Projects
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 澳大利亚
• 起止时间: 2015-06-30 至 2021-06-29
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/RGS/Web/Grants/DP150102762
• 关键词: biosynthesis; evolution; novel; semiochemicals; orchids

This project aims to discover new enzymes and genes, unlocking new tools for producing useful chemicals. Many plants secure pollination by attracting animal pollinators. How these crucial interactions evolved remains a mystery. Australia is a world centre for pollination by sexual deception in which hundreds of orchids use novel semiochemicals to sexually attract specific pollinators. In this study we aim to: characterise the biosynthetic pathway and molecular basis of these unique semiochemicals; investigate speciation processes with robust orchid phylogenies; and reveal new insights into the evolution of animal pollination. This should also lead to better design options for managing endangered orchids and developing resilient populations.

该项目旨在发现新的酶和基因，解锁生产有用化学品的新工具。许多植物通过吸引动物传粉者来确保授粉。这些重要的相互作用是如何演变的仍然是一个谜。澳大利亚是世界性欺骗授粉中心，数百种兰花使用新的化学信息素吸引特定的传粉者。在这项研究中，我们的目标是：研究这些独特的化学信息素的生物合成途径和分子基础;研究具有强大兰花生殖能力的物种形成过程;并揭示动物授粉进化的新见解。这也应该导致更好的设计选择，以管理濒危兰花和发展弹性种群。