Summer Undergraduate Research Program 2017
Faculty Project Proposal Submission
Faculty Name:Benjamin Blackman
Email:
Phone Number:510.664.7807
Department/Organization Affiliation: Plant and Microbial Biology
Preferred Method of Contact:E-mail
Project Name(s):The Ecological Genetics of Daily Rhythms in Sunflower Growth and Reproduction
General Topic (Keywords):plant biology, developmental biology, evolution, gene expression, ecological genetics, fieldwork
Project Description(s):Growth and reproduction are highly regulated processes in composite plants like sunflower. The stems of sunflower plants track the relative positive of the sun in a daily rhythm until they bloom, producing disks that are clusters of many individual flowers. Directional light interacts with the circadian clock regulate to drive the dramatic solar tracking rhythms of sunflower stems, and a similar integration of cycling internal and external signals likely occurs as new whorls individual florets open daily to present pollen and receptive stigmas at reproductive maturity. Because the timing and nature of environmental signals varies across the landscape, natural variation in how stem growth and floret mature responds to these cues evolves to allow plants to flower at the correct time of the season. For instance, we mapped genetic factors contributing to natural differences in the timing of when stems start moving westward after dawn and other factors contributing to differences in the timing when stems start returning eastward relative to dusk. This summer, we will further explore the genetics of natural variation in daily patterns of growth and reproduction among wild sunflowers as well as examine relevant differences in gene expression. Doing so will involve time-lapse imaging and tissue collection in the field, video analysis, nucleic acid extraction, and molecular assays of gene expression.
Desired Skills or Experience: Students with strong interests in plant-environment interaction, evolution, and ecology will find the experience most rewarding. Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills are essential.The student should be comfortable and enthusiastic about working in field conditions for extended periods, and they will be expected to follow guidelines for safely doing so.Students who are interested in working full time (wage or stipend support may be available) are especially encouraged to apply.
Time Commitment:40 hr/week for 10 weeks
Preferred Starting Date:May 22, 2017