| Abstract Detail
Growth and Vegetative Development Kellogg, Allicia A. [1], Haas, Jordan D. [2], Swanson, John-David [3]. A Closer Look at Thorn Development: Determining Morphology and Gene Expression in Rubus Thorns. Plants and animals both have dermal tissue that serves to protect them from pathogens entering the body. Some plants have an additional line of defense arising from thorns, prickles, and spines, which can serve to protect the plant from herbivores. Surprisingly, there is very little known about the morphology or the developmental and molecular mechanisms by which thorns arise. In order to study thorns, this research will use as its model system the genus Rubus. Additionally, Rubus spp. are a very good choice for thorn development research since both thorn and thornless varieties exist allowing precise genetic comparisons to be made. The objectives of this research are to determine in Rubus: (1) the tissue layers of thorns at various times of development, and (2) the temporal and positional gene expression of genes potentially involved in thorn development. To this end, we have completed both light and scanning electron microscopy studies to precisely determine various cell layers and morphologies of Rubus thorns. In addition, we have begun investigating several potential gene candidates that may be involved in thorn development using in situ hybridization, which allows precise special and temporal identification of gene expression.
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Related Links:
UCA Department of Biology Website
1 - University of Central Arkansas, Department of Biology, 201 Donaghey Ave., 180 Lewis Science Center, Conway, AR, 72035, USA
2 - University of Central Arkansas, Department of Biology
3 - Universitry of Central Arkansas, Department of Biology
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P26028
Abstract ID:756 |
