| Abstract Detail
Molecular Ecology and Evolution Chapman, Mark A. [1], Kanizay, Lisa [1], Funk, Vicki A. [2], Burke, John M. [1]. CYCLOIDEA gene duplication and diversification during the evolution of the Asteraceae: a stimulus for the radiation of the family? Members of the Asteraceae (Compositae) show a remarkable array of floral colors, shapes and sizes, possibly indicating that the rapid radiation of the family from South America 30 million years ago was aided by floral diversification. Flower shape affects pollinator specificity, and the evolution of zygomorphic (left-right symmetrical) flowers is correlated with an increase in the speciation rate. CYCLOIDEA (CYC) genes have been implicated in the development of zygomorphic flowers and we have isolated members of this gene family from sunflower, which possesses both actinomorphic (radially symmetrical) disc florets and zygomorphic ray florets. In contrast to most species studied, where up to five members of the gene family are present, in sunflower there are ten copies. The CYC genes fall into three gene lineages, and some members of the lineage that shows the most diversification are only expressed in floral parts, with one gene being expressed only in ray florets. To determine where during the evolution of the Asteraceae these duplications arose, we are isolating and characterizing members of the CYC gene family from the most basal members of the family, as well as members of all major tribes throughout the family.
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1 - University of Georgia, Dept. of Plant Biology, Miller Plant Sciences Building, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
2 - National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Department of Botany, MRC-166, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC, 20013-7012, USA
Keywords:
Asteraceae
cycloidea
adaptive radiation
gene duplication
Sunflower.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: CP41
Location: Boulevard B/Hilton
Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: CP41012
Abstract ID:1764 |
