Abstract Detail

Classical Genetics

Lin, Qianshi [1], Ross, Gregory [1], Ke, Fushi [1], GRAHAM, SEAN W [1].

Molecular evolution of plastid ndh genes in a possible new carnivorous plant.

At least nine independent origins of carnivory are known in five angiosperms orders. Most of these are in the eudicots: there are only four species known to be carnivorous in monocots, all in the order Poales. Here we report a possible new instance of carnivory in the monocot order Alismatales (Triantha, Tofieldiaceae), the first report in this order. Triantha has four recognized species, three of which occur in North America (T. glutinosa, T. occidentalis and T. racemosa), with a fourth in Japan (T. japonica). Plants may grow in bogs with other carnivorous plants, such as sundew and butterwort, and capture insects using sticky glandular hairs on infloresence stalks. Enzymatic tests of phosphatase activity are positive for their trichomes, supporting the possibility that they may be carnivorous. We sequenced the plastid genomes of two species (T. glutinosa and T. occidentalis) and found that one or more of 11 plastid ndh genes (which code for subunits of the plastid NADH dehydrogenase-like complex, NDH-1) have been lost or pseudogenized. A similar phenomenon has been observed in some members of carnivorous Lentibulariaceae. We also performed a population-level survey of ndh genes in Triantha across North America, and find that the degree of gene loss varies among different populations in a manner that is inconsistent with current species boundaries.

1 - University of British Columbia, Botany, 3200-6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6K 1Z4, Canada

Keywords:
biogeography
carnivory
plastid genome.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 4, Classical Genetics & Molecular Ecology
Location: Fort Worth Ballroom 8/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 9:30 AM
Number: 4006
Abstract ID:347
Candidate for Awards:None