Abstract Detail

Developmental and Structural Section

Geuten, K. [2], Theiβen, Günter [1], Caris, P. [2], Lens, F. [2], Smets, E. [2].

Understanding the relationship between Balsaminaceae and Marcgraviaceae: a search for evidence from morphology and floral developmental genes.

The relationship between the Ericales families Balsaminaceae and Marcgraviaceae is firmly established, but evidence for the close affinity between the two families is limited to high support values in phylogenetic analyses of molecular data. Apart from the presence of Ca-oxalate raphides no morphological synapomorphies could be determined for the balsaminoid clade on the basis of floral ontogenetic studies, pollen morphology, and wood anatomy. We have cloned and sequenced putative B-function MADS-box genes in Impatiens hawkeri and Marcgravia umbellata to look for synapomorphies at the genetic developmental level. Sequence divergence that is possibly related to changes in protein interaction specificity and the expression pattern of B-function orthologs and paralogs will be discussed.

Related Links:
Laboratory of Plant Systematics

1 - Fridrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Lehrstuhl fűr Genetik, Philosophenweg 12, Jena, D-07743, Germany
2 - Laboratory of Plant Systematics, K.U.Leuven, Department of Biology, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, Leuven, B-3001, Belgium

Keywords:
Ericales
Balsaminaceae
Marcgraviaceae
MADS-box genes
B-function
Floral ontogeny
Palynology
wood anatomy
ABC model.

Presentation Type: Paper
Session: 1-5
Location: Alpine A (Snowbird Center)
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2004
Time: 9:00 AM
Abstract ID:420