Abstract Detail

Anatomy and Morphology

Zumajo, Cecilia [1], Stevenson, Dennis [2], Ambrose, Barbara [3].

Evolution of the seed coat.

Seed plants (Gymnosperms and Angiosperms) are the most abundant plant lineage on earth. They constitute a turning point in plant evolution and development (evo-devo) as they have a key morphological and developmental structure: the seed. The seed protects the embryo for long periods of time and, therefore, has improved plant fitness by allowing seeds to germinate when conditions are favorable. The seed is formed by the embryo, sometimes nutritive tissue and protective layers known as the seed coat or testa. The seed develops from the ovules, which after fertilization undergo a series of ontogenetic transformations. Eventually, the structures surrounding the megasporangium (nucellus), the integument(s), develop into the seed coat. We have been studying candidate genes for integument development in selected gymnosperms as well as performing transcriptome analyses for detecting differentially expressed genes. Here we present the results from our spatiotemporal expression analyses of the ovule genetic network in Ginkgo biloba, which allowed us to show that there are major differences between gymnosperms and angiosperms. Furthermore, we present new candidate genes involved in ovule development in gymnosperms which we have been able to identify through extensive transcriptome analyses. Here, we discuss the seed coat in a paleontological and evo-devo context, comparing the differences between two major seed plant lineages: gymnosperms and angiosperms.

1 - New York Botanic Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, New York, 10458, United States
2 - New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States
3 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458, United States

Keywords:
Seeds
morphology
evo-devo
anatomy
Gymnosperms
transcriptome analysis.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: AM1, Anatomy and Morphology
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2020
Time: 10:45 AM
Number: AM1004
Abstract ID:107
Candidate for Awards:Katherine Esau Award,Maynard F. Moseley Award