Abstract Detail

Molecular Ecology

Hardy, Christopher [1], Klosinska, Maja [1].

Exploring adaptation and gene flow between Arabidopsis lyrata populations growing on serpentine and non-serpentine soils.

Arabidopsis lyrata, a close relative of the model plant A. thaliana, is often used in studies of plant ecology and evolution. Arabidopsis lyrata grows on rocky substrates, including on nutrient-poor serpentine high in heavy metals. We study local adaptation and evolution of this species through examining gene flow between A. lyrata populations growing on more hospitable, non-serpentine soils and those on serpentine barrens which exist as habitat “islands” along the Pennsylvania/Maryland state line. Gene flow between populations is being investigated through comparison of alleles of selected microsatellite loci. Our preliminary data show serpentine soil populations exchange genetic material mainly with other serpentine soil populations, though there is also some input from their non-serpentine neighbors. In addition to microsatellite loci, we set out to examine a conserved chloroplast locus, trnL/trnL-F, which is used in species identity determination, but shows some sequence variation within A. lyrata. We aim to determine, whether this locus shows sequence differences between non-serpentine and serpentine populations, in agreement with our microsatellite data.

1 - Millersville University, Biology Department, 50 E Frederick Street, Millersville, PA, 17551, USA

Keywords:
Serpentine
Arabidopsis lyrata.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: ME2004
Abstract ID:748
Candidate for Awards:None