|
Leonardo
Versieux Dr. W. John Kress, Ph.D.
"Participating in the RTP 2002 was an unforgettable experience. Here I had the chance to work on a very interesting project and was able to realize how rich and diverse are the several areas of natural history sciences." |
|
|
Using a genetic study to better understand a plant of the Banana family When
one looks at a group of people, several characteristics that differentiate
one person from the others can be enumerated. Colors of eyes, hair,
and height are examples of characteristics that are closely related
to the genetic information that are carried in genes. The same idea
can be applied to plants. In this study genetics were used to know
more about one plant called Musella lasiocarpa that belongs
to banana family (Musaceae) and is native from southwestern China.
Apparently this plant has not been seen in truly wild or preserved
habitats. The only place where it occurs is along agricultural areas
where it grows in a semi-wild condition and the local farmers use
it for several applications, such as medicine, food, source of natural
fibers, fodder for pigs and also to prevent soil erosion. Through
this study the following questions will be answered: are all the populations
of the plants that exist today closely genetically related? Are these
populations geographically isolated going through endogamy process
due to sexual reproduction between relatives? A methodology called
electrophoresis was used to quantify variability, within and between
populations. This technique provides the ability to separate proteins
under the influence of electrical fields. Extracts of young leaves
were prepared, loaded on a gel, and sent through electrophoresis.
After some hours, using specific stains, bands were visible that represent
isozymes, which are enzymes that have identical or similar functions
but are encoded by different regions in the chromosomes. The analysis
of the banding pattern allowed several tests to be performed and it
was discovered that Musella has great genetic variation within
and between populations. It was also discovered that Musella's
populations that are geographically close do not necessarily exhibit
similar genetic structure. So, the current distribution may be strongly
influenced by human transportation of plants from one area to another.
This study allowed knowledge of which are the best methodologies for
isozyme analyses for this plant and encouragement for additional collections
in Yunnan, China. With a larger sample the migration history of this
species may be elucidated more clearly. This research was supported by a grant from the Smithsonian Women's Committee. |