| Abstract Detail
Systematics Klahs, Phillip [1], Gallaher, Tim [2], Clark, Lynn [3]. Exploring the Anatomy and 3-Dimensional Aspects of Spikelet Structure in the Grasses (Poaceae). Structural diversity among species of flowering plants is often manifested in the flowers themselves, and is commonly the preferred diagnostic observed by plant taxonomists to distinguish taxa. Studies on the grass family (Poaceae), which is the 5th largest family of flowering plants, rely heavily on spikelet structure to determine species and infer relationships. The grass spikelet is composed of one to many distichous flower units, or florets, subtended by two sterile bracts known as glumes. The grass spikelet is relatively small, wind pollinated, and strongly modified relative to conventional monocot flowers. Human perception generally does not associate these characteristics with attractiveness; however, spikelets represent a remarkable structural innovation. Although the mechanisms are not completely understood, spikelets are known to contribute to pollination dynamics, caryopsis development by means of protection and photosynthetic production, and ultimately dispersal. Anatomical work in the expansive grass family has focused on areas of vegetative production, such as leaves and stems, to explore C3 and C4 photosynthesis. This research explores the anatomy of the individual components of the grass spikelet along with the 3D macrostructure as a whole to address the relationship between shape and function. Novel 3D imaging techniques are used to render the parts of the flower to better understand their interactions in space and overall development.
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Related Links:
3D modelled Poa pratensis spikelet
1 - Iowa State University, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 2200 Osborn Dr., 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-4009, USA
2 - Iowa State University, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, 2220 Osborn Dr., Room 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-4009, USA
3 - Iowa State University, 2220 Osborn Dr., Room 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-4009, United States
Keywords:
Poaceae
grass
flower
spikelet
3D modelling.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 45, Monocots part B/Basal Eudicots
Location: 200/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 2:00 PM
Number: 45003
Abstract ID:223
Candidate for Awards:None |
