Abstract Detail

Phylogenomics

Jordan, Chazz [1], Brinkman, Becky [1], Coffey (PhD), Emily [1], Eserman (PhD), Lauren [1].

Evolutionary Relationships in the Euglossine Bee Pollinated Orchid Genus, Stanhopea.

The genus of orchid, Stanhopea is distributed in the areas of Mexico, Trinidad, and Central and South America. Currently, there are 66 species and 46 hybrids, and 86% of all Stanhopea species are held in living collections at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The main goals of this project is to understand relationships among different species in this genus, which are unique because of their complex floral fragrances used in their obligate pollination relationship with Euglossine bees. When their relationship is understood, it is then key to see how these different species evolved through phylogeny. Phylogenetic trees themselves are hypotheses about the evolutionary changes that occurred during the evolution of these species. In this project, two genes are used to compare different species of Stanhopea and then creating phylogenetic groups based on similar DNA sequences. The basic genetic work is done through 1) DNA isolation, 2) Qubit, 3) PCR, 4) gel electrophoresis, 5) DNA sequencing, and 6) DNA sequence analysis. In DNA isolation, plant matter must be homogenized by grinding up the sample, a series of chemicals are used to lyse the cell membranes within the plant matter, chloroform is then used to separate the DNA from the solution, and lastly precipitate is created from using alcohol to move DNA out of solution. In the second step, the genes that encode rubisco (rbcL) and maturase K (matk) are amplified using PCR. Next, a gel is created to do gel electrophoresis. In this process, the DNA placed in the gel wells when an electric current is run through the buffer surrounding the gel. The gel is then placed under UV light and if a bar is seen down the gel, the result is positive and can be sequenced. In its entirety, this genetic workflow with the Stanhopea genus is used to achieve one product, the sequencing of the genes. The sequencing of these genes is the aspect of the experiment used for creating the phylogenetic tree. Working with more plant matter, which results in more genetic sequences, will eventually lead to a better plant species database and plant conservation surveys.

1 - Atlanta Botanical Garden, Conservation and Research, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, Ga, 30303, USA

Keywords:
0rchid.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Phylogenomics Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 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: PPL006
Abstract ID:546
Candidate for Awards:None