Understanding C4 Photosynthesis through Quantitative Genetics

C4光合作用是一个复杂的过程，与祖先的C3状态相比，需要改变叶片的生物化学、生理和解剖结构。这一特性在种内是不同的，这意味着它可以通过数量遗传学来利用。我的项目包括利用现有的双亲本植物定位群体进行初步的性状定位。我的研究重点是多亲本高级代交叉（MAGIC）群体的产生，从中可以使用更高分辨率的地图对C4性状进行更强大的映射。我还使用双子叶植物gyynandropsis gyynandra和单子叶植物Zea mays（玉米）对C4光合作用的各个方面进行自然变异和遗传力估计。除此之外，我正在开发一种能够对C4叶片解剖特征进行高通量图像分析的方法。

C4 photosynthesis is a complex process that requires changes in leaf biochemistry, physiology and anatomy compared to the ancestral C3 state. It is coming to light that this trait differs intraspecifically, meaning this can be exploited through quantitative genetics.My project involves using existing bi-parental plant mapping populations for preliminary trait mapping. The focus of my research is the generation of a Multi-parental Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population from which more robust mapping can be performed for C4 traits using a more resolved map.I am also disecting natural variation and making heritability estimates for all aspects of C4 photosynthesis using the dicotyledon Gynandropsis gynandra, and the monocotyledon Zea mays (maize).In addition to this I am developing methods that enable a high-throughput method of image analysis for C4 leaf anatomical traits.