Abstract Detail

Anatomy and Morphology

Tajima, Adia [1], Tribble, Carrie [2], Chery, Joyce [3], Rothfels, Carl [4].

Comparative anatomy of climbing and non-climbing sister genera in Alstroemeriaceae.

Examining the stem anatomy of plants can provide insight into the adaptations that allow plants to thrive in unique environments. Specifically, comparing the arrangement of vascular bundles and vessels within the stem may illuminate anatomical modifications to the climbing habit, as has been seen in many woody vines (lianas). In this study, we compared the anatomical differences of stem sections between sister genera of the monocot family Alstroemeriaceae: Bomarea (climbing), and Alstroemeria (non-climbing). We collected stem samples from three species per genus (6 total), at three different developmental stages. We embedded stem samples in paraffin wax to maintain the structural integrity of the stem while sectioning. We then sectioned all stem samples and used the Safrablau staining series to differentiate between lignified and non-lignified tissues. This procedure creates a clear visual representation of the respective stem anatomies to identify potential differences between the genera. By examining the differences between closely related genera, we hope to shed light on how this climbing monocot may have evolved differently from a more typical, “standard” monocot. In addition, this study provides an interesting perspective on the ways that plants respond to the selective pressures imposed by the climbing habit. Previous research has shown that woody vines have larger vessels and often modified cambia in comparison to their non-climbing relatives; this study adds to our understanding of potentially parallel modifications in non-woody plants.

1 - University of California, Berkeley , Molecular and Cell Biology , 24 Meadow Lane, Redwood City, CA 94063, 2530 Chilton Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704, Berkeley , CA, 94074, USA
2 - University Of California, Berkeley, Rothfels Lab, UC Jepson Herbarium, 1001 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA, 94720, United States
3 - UC Berkeley, 3040 Valley Life Sciences Bldg #3140, Berkeley, CA, 94720, United States
4 - University Of California Berkeley, University Herbarium And Departmenty Of Integrative Biology, 1001 Valley Life Science Building, Berkeley, CA, 94720, United States

Keywords:
Bomarea
Alstromeria
Stem
anatomy
climbing
staining .

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Anatomy and Morphology 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: PAM002
Abstract ID:306
Candidate for Awards:Developmental and Structural Section best poster