DISSERTATION RESEARCH: The developmental genetics of floral size variation in Saltugilia (Polemoniaceae): Linking cellular phenotypes, genetics, floral size, and pollinator shifts

植物与传粉者之间的相互作用近年来受到越来越多的关注，因为人们认识到由于人类活动而造成的传粉者的广泛损失。传粉者成功的一个重要特征是花的大小。这个项目将研究花大小的细胞和遗传基础，因为它与福禄克花科(Polemoniaceae)中传粉者的选择有关。本研究的目的是：1)确定花瓣属植物之间的系统发育关系；2)利用显微镜技术测量花瓣上皮细胞在花朵发育过程中的细胞面积；3)根据其他物种的数据确定和分离可能控制花朵大小的基因；4)确定这些基因在花朵发育中和不同传粉者物种中的表达谱；5)展示这些基因在花朵大小调节中的功能。本研究将为共同PI提供现有遗传和细胞技术方面的培训，并对两名本科生进行实验室技术培训。将为高中生开发动手模块，教授常见的实验室技术，如DNA提取和聚合酶链式反应。高中教师将接受这些协议的培训，以增加模块的实施。

The interactions between plants and their pollinators has been gaining increased attention recently due to the recognition of extensive pollinator loss due to anthropogenic activities. One trait that is important for pollinator success is flower size. This project will investigate the cellular and genetic bases of flower size as it relates to selection by pollinators in the phlox family of flowering plants (Polemoniaceae). The goals of this study are: 1) determine the phylogenetic relationships among members of genus Saltugilia, 2) measure cell area of petal epidermal cells in developing flowers using microscopy techniques, 3) identify and isolate the possible genes responsible for the control of flower size based on data from other species, 4) determine the expression profiles of these genes in developing flowers and in species with different pollinators, and 5) demonstrate the function of these genes in regulating floral size.This research will provide the co-PI with training in current genetic and cellular techniques, in addition to training two undergraduates in laboratory techniques. Hands-on modules for high school students will be developed to teach common laboratory techniques such as DNA extractions and polymerase chain reaction. High school teachers will be trained in these protocols to increase the implementation of the modules.