Mating Structure and Inbreeding Depression in the Moss, Ceratodon purpureus

由这笔赠款支持的Shaw 9407937研究将确定苔藓相关个体之间的交配是否会导致后代比不相关个体之间的交配更不适合。此外，还将调查两个种群内杂交的实际模式，以便将实验结果与自然生境中的植物联系起来。这项研究涉及种植已知家系的植物，进行杂交，并测量不同交配后代的生存能力和繁殖力。由于研究的有机体是单倍体(即细胞包含一组染色体，而不是大多数植物和动物中的两组染色体)，因此人们有望对近亲交配的遗传后果有新的见解。虽然这项研究涉及基本的科学问题，但了解不同交配模式的影响对于一系列应用问题至关重要，包括保护稀有和濒危动植物，以及提高农业产量的最有效育种策略。这项研究的资金也为本科生参与生物学研究提供了关键支持。除了学年期间的研究机会外，基金还支持本科生和校长调查员在两个暑假期间的全职合作。大学生积极参与研究是促进有前途的青年科学家发展的最有效途径。

Shaw 9407937 Research supported by this grant will determine if mating between related individuals of the moss, Ceratodon purpureus, results in offspring that are less fit than mating between unrelated individuals. In addition, actual patterns of interbreeding within two populations will be investigated in order to relate experimental results to plants in natural habitats. The research involves growing plants of known familial pedigree, conducting crosses, and measuring both viability and fertility in offspring from different matings. Because the study organism is haploid (i.e., cells contain one set of chromosomes rather than two as in most plants and animals), new insights into the genetic consequences of consanguineous mating are expected. Although this research addresses basic scientific questions, understanding the effects of different mating patterns is critical to a range of applied issues including the conservation of rare and endangered plants and animals, and the most effective breeding strategies for increased agricultural production. Funding for this research also provides critical support for involvement of undergraduate students in biological research. In addition to research opportunities during the academic year, funding supports full-time collaboration between undergraduate students and the Principle Investigator during two summers. Active undergraduate involvement in research is the most effective way to promote the development of promising young scientists.