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Abstract Detail



Comparative Genomics/Transcriptomics

Black, Danielle [1].

The genetic basis of serpentine adaptation in Aquilegia eximia. .

Serpentine soils create extremely harsh environments for plants due to their low water holding capacity, low levels of available macronutrients, high levels of toxic heavy metals, and low Ca: Mg ratios (Brady et al 2005). Adaptation to serpentine soil can drive speciation, and as a result, serpentine ecosystems are incredibly diverse, containing approximately 12.5% of California’s endemic plant species (Safford et al 2005). For my project, I will compare two members of the Ranunculaceae: the serpentine endemic species of columbine flower, Aquilegia eximia, and its more-widespread sister species and presumed progenitor, Aquilegia formosa, which lacks the ability to grow on serpentine soil. This project will combine three experiments to elucidate the genetic architecture of serpentine tolerance, and potential identify candidate genes involved in survival and speciation on serpentine soil. First, I will identify loci associated with the serpentine tolerance phenotype using Quantitative Trail Locus (QTL) analysis of hybrid mapping crosses of the two species grown on serpentine soil. Further, I will conduct an RNA-Seq experiment to identify differentially expressed genes between species grown on serpentine and non-serpentine soil. This will potentially narrow down my list of candidate genes under serpentine tolerance QTL peaks. Lastly, I will sequence individuals from multiple populations of A. eximia and A. formosa and use genome scans to identify differentiated regions of the genome between species and signatures of selection in serpentine tolerant populations. This project aims to uncover larger evolutionary relationships and population structure of A. eximia and A. formosa populations across California and potentially identify regions of the genome that are in involved in the edaphic specialization and speciation of the two species. Brady, Kristy U., Arthur R. Kruckeberg, and H. D. Bradshaw Jr. 2005. “Evolutionary Ecology of Plant Adaptation to Serpentine Soils.” Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 36 (1): 243–66. Safford, H. D., J. H. Viers, and S. P. Harrison. 2005. “SERPENTINE ENDEMISM IN THE CALIFORNIA FLORA: A DATABASE OF SERPENTINE AFFINITY.” Madroño 52 (4): 222–57.


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1 - UC Santa Barbara, Ecology, Evolution, And Marine Biology, 1549 W Valerio St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States

Keywords:
evolution
serpentine
population differentiation.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Comparative Genomics and Transcriptomics Posters
Location: /
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PGT001
Abstract ID:111
Candidate for Awards:Genetics Section Poster Award


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