RUI: Evolution of Graminoid Poales Based Inflorescence Development and Developmental Genes

本研究的重点是产生种子的草花的发育。草籽或谷物是全世界主要的食物来源。因此，了解草花的进化过程是非常重要的。了解这些过程可能会导致新的粮食作物的发展，以养活我们不断增长的人口。本研究将结合进化历史、基因表达和植物结构来了解草花的进化。这项研究将集中在两个基因的作用上，这两个基因可能在草花序的进化中起着特别重要的作用。本项目将记录各种禾本科植物的花发育过程，探讨其进化历史、选择和控制花进化的基因表达。CSULB是一所综合性的西班牙裔服务机构，其本科生和硕士生将为这项研究做出贡献。生成的数据将发布在网上，对植物进化发展的新理解将与美国植物学会和BioQUEST合作纳入调查案例。该研究将深入了解影响植物和花序多样化的机制，包括作物产量特征，在一个经济上重要的植物群中。

This research focuses on the development of grass flowers that produce seed. Grass seeds or grains are major sources of food worldwide. Therefore, understanding the evolutionary processes that gave raise to grass flowers is very important. Knowledge of these processes could lead to development of new food crops to feed our growing population. This study will integrate evolutionary history, gene expression, and plant structure to understand the evolution of grass flowers. The research will focus on the role of two genes that may play an especially important role in the evolution of the grass inflorescence. This project will document floral development in various kinds of grasses and explore the evolutionary history, selection, and the expression of genes controlling floral evolution.Undergraduate and master's students at CSULB, a comprehensive Hispanic-serving institution, will contribute to this research. Data generated will be posted online and new understandings on plant evolutionary development will be incorporated into investigative cases in collaboration with the Botanical Society of America and BioQUEST. The study will provide insights into the mechanisms affecting floral and inflorescence diversification, including crop yield features, among an economically important plant group.