Molecular Basis and Evolution of the Natural Homeotic Phenotype of Lacandonia Schismatica: The Only Flowering Plant With Inverted Reproductive Whorls

Ambrose, Barbara A, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

0000428 Ambrose The International Research Fellow Awards Program enables U.S. scientists and engineers to conduct three to twenty-four months of research abroad. The program's awards provide opportunities for joint research, and the use of unique or complementary facilities, expertise and experimental conditions abroad. This award will provide Dr. Barbara A. Ambrose with support for twenty-four months work with Dr. Elena Alvarez-Buylla Roces at UNAM's Instituto de Ecologia in Mexico City, Mexico. The objective of this project is to examine the genetic basis of an unusual floral pattern (carpels peripheral, stamens central) in Lacandonia, and compare it with DNA-based phylogeny. The origin of flowers is an important puzzle in the evolution of plants. The project concerns a fundamental aspect of plant development using a model system that is only available in Mexico. This project will make an important contribution to our understanding of flowering plant evolution. Dr. Alvarez-Buylla's lab is fully equipped to develop all state- of-the-art techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry of plants. The host has extensive experience in phylogenetic analyses which will complement the PI's experience in molecular biology techniques. ***