Chloroplast DNA as a Tool in the Systematics of Vernonia (Vernonieae: Asteraceae) (Systematic Biology)

利用叶绿体DNA的比较限制酶切点图谱和DNA测序技术，对斑潜蝇属的DNA变异进行了系统的研究。限制位点图将为大族内新旧大陆分类群之间的关系提供第一个直接的遗传证据，并使构建基于遗传的系统发育成为可能。不存在这样的系统发育流。基于cpDNA结构的系统发育关系将有助于理解与斑腿蜂属和斑腿蜂亚科的生物地理关系，并将有助于理解导致菊科植物分化为不同部落的进化过程。菊科是世界上最大的开花植物家族，在世界范围内约有2万种，了解该家族的进化过程对于我们全面了解导致过去和现在花卉多样性的进化过程具有重要意义。该项目的互动阶段包括作为生态学和进化生物学的客座教师和研究人员的专业活动，以及参加妇女研究和康涅狄格大学妇女中心的项目。由生态与进化和妇女中心联合主办的研讨会项目将用于整合分子系统学和女性参与科学课程的课程，以吸引来访的女科学家来到校园。该项目进一步推动了VPW计划的目标，即：(1)为妇女提供机会，在NSF资助的工程和科学学科中发展她们的职业生涯；(2)通过提高受雇于工业、政府和学术机构的女科学家和工程师的知名度，鼓励妇女追求科学和工程事业。通过鼓励妇女参与科学，这是对国家未来科学活力的宝贵投资。

A systematic survey of DNA variation in the genus Vernonia (Vernonieae:Asteraceae) will be undertaken using comparative restriction site mapping and DNA sequencing in chloroplast DNA. Restriction site maps will provide the first direct genetic evidence for relationships between New and Old World taxa within the large tribe Vernonieae, and make it possible to construct a genetically based phylogeny. No such phylogeny current exists. Phylogenetic relationships based on cpDNA structure will contribute to an understanding of biogeographical relationships with Vernonia and the Vernonieae, and would be of value in understanding the processes of evolution which have caused the Asteraceae to diverge into distinct tribes. The Asteraceae is the largest family of flowering plants with ca. 20,000 species worldwide, an understanding of evolutionary processes within this family has significance to our overall understanding of evolutionary processes responsible for past and present floral diversity. The interactive phase of this project involves a combination of professional activities as a visiting teacher and researcher in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and participation in programs in Women's Studies and the Women's Center at University of Connecticut. A seminar program jointly sponsored by Ecology and Evolution and the Women's Center to bring visiting women scientists to campus will be used to integrate coursework in Molecular Systematics and Women in Science courses. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.