Abstract Detail

Developmental and Structural Section

Geeta, R. [1], Arif, Saad [2].

Evolution and development of Dioscorea leaves.

Primary leaf morphogenesis and appearance of major veins occur simultaneously early in leaf development. Anecdotally, overall shape of the mature leaf appears to follow venation pattern, and leaf shape mutants of model plants Arabidopsis and maize tend to also have abnormal numbers and placement of major veins. What is the relationship between venation pattern and leaf shape across taxa? We used a comparative approach using morphometrics tools to determine (1) whether, and to what extent, leaf venation and form are correlated in closely related species; (2) whether, and at which phylogenetic scale/s, such a relationship is either maintained or broken down. We examined these questions in 40 species of Dioscorea and show that (a) there is a significant correlation between primary venation pattern and leaf form; (b) the strength of this correlation differs in the two major clades of Dioscorea. Finally, we examined secondary morphogenesis in four species of Dioscorea and did not find any developmental differences that might account for the evolutionary differences.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Delhi, Department of Botany, Delhi, 110009, India
2 -

Keywords:
leaf shape
Morphometrics
venation
development
evolution.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 29
Location: 551A/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 10:45 AM
Number: 29010
Abstract ID:500