Sydney Lapham
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Alexandre Marand
Research Mentor School/College/Department: MCDB / LSA
Program:
Authors: Sydney Lapham, Mariel Cruz-Gomez, Alexandre Marand
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 13
Abstract
It is well-recognized that genetic variation underlies phenotypic diversity in biology. However, the molecular mechanisms that connect genotypes to phenotypes are still unclear. Using maize as a model, the Marand lab has been researching the links between specific genotypes and phenotypes that are expressed by different lines of maize. These observable phenotypes include the height, color, growth rate, cellular morphologies, etc of each line of maize. Maize is grown in optimal conditions within a laboratory growth chamber. After 7-10 days of growth, plant tissues are first cleansed with ClearSee solution to remove chloroplasts, and then the cell walls are stained with propidium iodide to reveal cell geometry. Then the leaf is taken for imaging under a confocal microscope to visualize all cellular components within the leaf. There, we can see the specific elements of the leaf and contrast the cell morphologies between different inbred lines. The goal is to quantify cellular morphology of different genetic backgrounds and identify causal genetic variants that give rise to cellular phenotypic diversity. This research aims to provide factual evidence that there are specific genetic links to different phenotypes expressed by plants. The project is in the beginning stages of investigation so conclusions have not yet been drawn. This research will lead to factual evidence establishing the relationships between genotypes and phenotypes and provide new targets for genome editing efforts with the potential to revolutionize plant developmental biology and agronomic trait engineering.
