The Impact of a Virescent-like Mutation on Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism in Glechoma hederacea

Advisor Information

Mark Schoenbeck

Location

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

6-3-2015 11:00 AM

End Date

6-3-2015 12:30 PM

Abstract

Glechoma hederacea, is an invasive herbaceous plant used as a model system for ecophysiological research. A somatic mutant termed “virescent-like” expressing distinct phenotypes relative to the wild type -- reduced volatiles, reduced starch accumulation, pest resistance, increased size and number of trichomes, and increased leaf lobing -- was identified in a local population. Our objectives were 1) to more thoroughly characterize the impacts of the “virescent-like” mutation on carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and 2) to more accurately identify the plastomic loci in which mutations were proposed in previous work. In field plots, the mutant was unable to survive through winter, while representative wildtypes proliferated in shade, partial shade, and full sun. Mutant plants retrieved from the field site after exposure to cold and declining temperatures of autumn flowered prolifically, while wildtypes flowered minimally or not at all. No seed production was observed in the mutant, however. Data collected from malate dehydrogenase assays confirmed that the mutant possessed a greater increase in activity in young leaves compared to mature leaves. Contrary to previous investigations, leaf tissue of G. hederacea appeared to insensitive to nitrate reductase induction possibly due to the different growth conditions of the plant (increased pests, different season, and age of plants). A successful attempt to culture G. hederacea leaf tissue opened a new avenue to explore using this technique.

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COinS
 
Mar 6th, 11:00 AM Mar 6th, 12:30 PM

The Impact of a Virescent-like Mutation on Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism in Glechoma hederacea

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

Glechoma hederacea, is an invasive herbaceous plant used as a model system for ecophysiological research. A somatic mutant termed “virescent-like” expressing distinct phenotypes relative to the wild type -- reduced volatiles, reduced starch accumulation, pest resistance, increased size and number of trichomes, and increased leaf lobing -- was identified in a local population. Our objectives were 1) to more thoroughly characterize the impacts of the “virescent-like” mutation on carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and 2) to more accurately identify the plastomic loci in which mutations were proposed in previous work. In field plots, the mutant was unable to survive through winter, while representative wildtypes proliferated in shade, partial shade, and full sun. Mutant plants retrieved from the field site after exposure to cold and declining temperatures of autumn flowered prolifically, while wildtypes flowered minimally or not at all. No seed production was observed in the mutant, however. Data collected from malate dehydrogenase assays confirmed that the mutant possessed a greater increase in activity in young leaves compared to mature leaves. Contrary to previous investigations, leaf tissue of G. hederacea appeared to insensitive to nitrate reductase induction possibly due to the different growth conditions of the plant (increased pests, different season, and age of plants). A successful attempt to culture G. hederacea leaf tissue opened a new avenue to explore using this technique.