Abstract Detail

Pteridology

Vasco, Alejandra [1], Ambrose, Barbara A. [2].

Leaf evolution and development: building better models from fern leaf diversity.

The evolution and development of leaves is a question that has intrigued botanists for over two centuries. Evolutionary developmental studies are providing crucial data that is allowing researchers to revise theories of how leaves evolve and develop, moving forward this long-term debate. Ferns constitute an interesting lineage of plants to study leaf development, not only because of its phylogenetic crucial position as the sister group of seed plants, but also because within the ferns there might be several origins and different mechanisms for leaf development. Comparative studies within ferns and between ferns, angiosperms, and lycophytes are helping to untangle the intricate evolutionary history of ferns in light of their leaf developmental network. In this talk we will show what we have learnt from our studies in three leaf developmental modules in ferns: Class III HD Zips, Class I KNOXs, and KANADIs. We will also explore what we could learn about fern leaf evolution and development by studying the rest of the genes involved in the leaf developmental network. Studies of ferns with diverse leaf morphologies and studies of model organisms, will be instrumental to build better models to understand the intricate relationships of ferns and the evolution and development of their leaves, which might involve more than a single story.

1 - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Biología, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, A.P. 70-367, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
2 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458, USA

Keywords:
Evo-devo
Leaf evolution and development
Ferns.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 6, Pteridological Section/AFS
Location: Sundance 1/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 11:30 AM
Number: 6008
Abstract ID:225
Candidate for Awards:Edgar T. Wherry award