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SUMMARY:The Evolution of MIXTA Gene Function in Angiosperms and Bryophytes
  - Lin Taylor
DTSTART:20120601T123000Z
DTEND:20120601T130000Z
UID:TALK36383@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Suzy Stoodley
DESCRIPTION:Conical-shaped or papillate epidermal cells\, found on the pet
 als of many flowering plants\, have been shown to facilitate pollination a
 nd thus increase plant fitness in a variety of ways\, including through co
 lour enhancement and improved pollinator grip. MIXTA genes (encoding membe
 rs of the R2R3 MYB transcription factor family) have previously been impli
 cated in the development of these specialised cells in various angiosperms
 \, including Antirrhinum and Arabidopsis. My focus is on the function and 
 evolution of MIXTA homologues at both the microevolutionary scale\, in the
  angiosperm genus Nicotiana\, and at the macroevolutionary level\, utilisi
 ng the model bryophyte species Marchantia polymorpha and Physcomitrella pa
 tens. The broad aims of my research are twofold. Firstly\, by investigatin
 g MIXTA genes within Nicotiana\, a genus that contains species both with a
 nd without conical cells\, I will explore how their expression patterns an
 d functions are linked to evolutionary changes in epidermal cell morpholog
 y. Second\, by studying the function of MIXTA homologues in early divergen
 t land plant lineages (Bryophyta and Marchantiophyta)\, I seek to gain ins
 ight into the ancestral function(s) of the MIXTA genes.
LOCATION:Department of Plant Sciences\, Large Lecture Theatre
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