Abstract Detail

Pollination Biology

Pirone, Cary [1], Von Aderkas, Patrick [2], Prior, Natalie [2], Smith, Derek [3], Hardie, Darryl [3], Tomlinson, P. [4], Friedman, Ned [5], Mathews, Sarah [6].

Proteins in the pollination drop of two species of Cephalotaxus.

Most gymnosperms produce an ovular secretion during reproduction, the pollination drop. Once thought to be a mere landing site for pollen, the secretion is now known to contain a suite of ions and compounds, including proteins. In addition to providing nutrition for the developing pollen, these components play diverse roles during pollination. Proteins have been identified in the drops of Chamaecyparis, Juniperus, Taxus, Pseudotsuga, and Welwitchia, and are likely involved in the conversion of sugars, defense against pathogens, and pollen growth and development. Here, we use mass spectrometry to identify proteins in the pollination drops of two species of Cephalotaxus. Several identified proteins are identical to those found in the drops of other gymnosperms, suggesting their conservation among non-flowering plants. Yet others appear to be unique to Cephalotaxus. We discuss these findings in a phylogenetic context, and speculate on the function of the proteins based on sequence similarity with known proteins.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Arnold Arboretum Of Harvard, Botany, 1300 Centre St, Roslindale, MA, 02131, USA
2 - University of Victoria, Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, Victoria, BC, V8W 3N5, Canada
3 - Genome BC Proteomics Center University Victoria
4 - 54 Floret Circle, Hinsham, MA, 02043, USA
5 - Arnold Arboretum of Harvard, 1300 Centre St, Boston, MA, 02131, USA
6 - Harvard University, Arnold Arboretum, 1300 Centre Street, Boston, MA, 02131, USA

Keywords:
pollination drop
gymnosperms.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPL014
Abstract ID:969