Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

A comparative study of the differential terpene production in 3 species of polyploid and diploid wild sunflowers and an evaluation of the associated differential GXE interactions.

Polyploidy, also known as whole genome duplication (WGD), is one of the most enigmatic forces driving the evolution of terrestrial plants. It has been demonstrated that polyploidy leads to large scale alterations in the genome via the processes of gene fractionation, neofunctionalization, and sub-functionalization. Such changes can lead to changes in gene expression which in turn can result in changes in phenotypes. Considering the complexities of the biosynthetic pathways responsible for secondary metabolism, polyploidy is expected to alter both absolute concentrations and relative profiles of the plant metabolome. Here we compare the consequences of historical polyploidy events on terpenoid biosynthesis in three wild sunflowers spanning at least four distinct whole genome duplication events– Helianthus divaricatus (2n, 4n), Helianthus hirstus (4n), and Helianthus decapetalus (2n, 4n, 6n). Multiple populations of each ploidy level were grown under controlled high-nutrient conditions, and terpenoid production assessed via GC-MS, as well as phenotyping of photosynthetic rate and plant growth. Results are interpreted in light of underlying changes within the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway, as well as in relation to relative investment in growth versus chemical defense under the growth-differentiation balance hypothesis.

1 - University Of Central Florida, Department Of Biology, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL, 32816, United States

Keywords:
polyploidy.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo) Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2020
Time: 5:00 PM Time and date to be determined
Number: PEV008
Abstract ID:518
Candidate for Awards:None