DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Meiosis Gene Evolution in Lichenized Fungi and Algae

减数分裂是一种特殊的细胞分裂，细胞DNA含量减半，产生配子，然后在有性生殖过程中融合。虽然减数分裂很普遍，但有些物种尽管缺乏其他物种减数分裂所需的基因，也会进行减数分裂。关于为什么有些物种失去了减数分裂基因而没有减数分裂，人们知之甚少。该项目将研究地衣，互利共存的真菌和藻类，是否有减数分裂基因的变化与这种形式的共生。将从形成地衣的多种真菌和藻类的DNA中寻找基因序列。进化分析将比较来自多个地衣的17个减数分裂基因，以确定地衣化是否与减数分裂基因的丢失或序列的快速变化有关。通过表征共生共存对地衣真菌和藻类繁殖的影响，本项目将为其他共生（如病原体、共生菌）提供重要的比较。这个项目也将进一步加深我们对减数分裂基因如何变化的理解，而整个过程保持不变。这项工作的各个方面将纳入正在进行的教育活动，包括高中和本科生研究指导和年度公众研讨会。

Meiosis is the specialized cell division that halves cell DNA content to generate gametes, which then fused during sexual reproduction. Although meiosis is widespread, some species undergo meiosis despite lacking genes that are required for meiosis in other species. Little is known about why some species have lost meiosis genes but not meiosis. This project will investigate whether lichens, mutually beneficial coexisting fungi and algae, harbor changes in meiosis genes associated with this form of symbiosis. DNA from multiple species of fungi and algae that form lichens will be searched for gene sequences. Evolutionary analyses will compare 17 meiotic genes from multiple lichens to determine whether lichenization is associated with loss or rapid sequence change of meiosis genes. By characterizing the effects of symbiotic coexistence upon lichenized fungal and algal reproduction, this project will provide an important comparison for other symbioses (e.g. pathogens, mutualists). This project will also further our understanding of how meiosis genes vary while the overall process remains intact. Aspects of this work will be incorporated into on-going educational activities, including high school and undergraduate student research mentoring and annual public-access seminars.