The S-locus in distylous Turnera comprises three S-genes: BAHD determines the female mating type and prevents style elongation. YUC6 determines the male mating type and establishes pollen size dimorphism. SPH1 is hypothesized to promote filament elongation in the S-morph based on mutant analysis. However, it's unclear how SPH1 elicits filament elongation.
This project aims to begin the characterization of SPH1 in Turnera.
Using several in silico methods, I am to generate hypotheses regarding how the presence of SPH1 in the S-morph establishes filament dimorphisms.
Using biochemical approaches, I am to identify SPH1's receptor. This will allow for future ectopic expression of the receptor and SPH1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, identifying the receptor may give insights into the neofunctionalization of SPH1 and the evolution of filament elongation and distyly in Turnera.
This project aims to begin the characterization of SPH1 in Turnera.
Using several in silico methods, I am to generate hypotheses regarding how the presence of SPH1 in the S-morph establishes filament dimorphisms.
Using biochemical approaches, I am to identify SPH1's receptor. This will allow for future ectopic expression of the receptor and SPH1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, identifying the receptor may give insights into the neofunctionalization of SPH1 and the evolution of filament elongation and distyly in Turnera.
