Plant Evolution – BioQuakes

In the article I came across, it discusses the incredible diversity of plant life on Earth. Looking around, we see forms of plant life ranging anywhere from towering trees to microscopic algae. Where did these behemoths of plant life come from, and how exactly did plants come to evolve and dominate our terrestrial biomass?

Well, we are in luck. A group of international researchers, led by a team from the University of Göttingen (a research university located in Germany), conducted a fascinating study to understand the genetic networks at play in an algal relative of land plants, a “humble single-celled algae” called Mesotaenium endlicherianum — fresh water algae discovered in 1991. In an effort to understand how exactly plant terrestrialization — the colonization of land-based areas by aquatic plants — came to be, the researchers used a strain of Mesotaenium endlicherianum that had been preserved for over 25 years and exposed it to several light intensities and temperatures to gauge its resilience and genetic reaction under extreme conditions. In doing so, they revealed some remarkable insights – insights into the shared behavior of nearly 20,000 genes, and how such genetic mechanisms are common in both land plants and their algal relatives.

By identifying hub genes, the researchers gained invaluable information regarding not only the regulation of algal gene expression but, in conjunction with an evolutionary standpoint, that they are shared across more than 600 million years of plant and algal evolution. Armin Dadras, another PhD student at the University of Göttingen, explains an excellent simile when he says how It’s akin to finding the common threads in various songs where certain musical notes consistently blend in harmony. This insight aids in revealing enduring evolutionary patterns and sheds light on how specific genetic elements have remained unchanging across a diverse array of plant species, much like enduring melodies that reverberate across diverse music genres.

Let’s link this research to what we’re currently delving into in our AP Bio class. So far, though we haven’t delved so deep into genetics, we have gained an understanding of the foundations. We’ve been discussing and exploring the functions of genetic material alongside our cell unit, where we learned that even in the tiniest of organisms, there’s an astonishing amount of genetic code at play. In humans, we have come to know that our DNA essentially holds the reins, dictating who we are and shaping our physical traits. After reading this article, we come to understand that in the world of plants, the story is no different. Just like it dictates our traits, DNA and genetics play a crucial role in determining where plants can thrive, in this case in the oceans or on land, and what environmental characteristics may trigger a migration. As we continue our journey into the wild waters of genetics, we will come to further understand the intricacies of this discovery.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Do you find the applications of this study as mind-blowing as I do? Can you see how it connects to what we’ve been learning and what we will soon learn in AP Bio? Share your views and let’s unravel the mysteries of life together!

Dawson White, a postdoctoral researcher at Chicago’s Field Museum studies global patterns of plant diversity and the forces that have influenced them. His interest in Plant Evolution has grown over time, allowing him to learn more about the fascinating world of plant diversity. Dawson White states that “In this study, we’ve shown that you can use light instead of DNA to define plant populations, at a similar level of detail. This method is a lot faster and cheaper than genetic testing.” Normally, DNA analysis is required to determine whether two plants are of the same population. In this new study, scientists discovered that the reflection of light off of their leaves is much faster and more efficient.

Spectroradiometers are instruments that can determine the amount of light and wavelengths reflected off a surface. Researchers use this handheld device, also known as a “Ray Gun,” to record the genetic variation of plants. This instrument reads the visible and infrared light that bounces off the plants, and the data it provides can be used to assist Agricultural Scientists in detecting diseases as well as the chemistry and structure of the plant.

Using the Spectroradiometer to look at the light reflected from the leaves is a quick and accurate substitute for the lengthy genetic testing where samples need to be collected, stored, moved to a lab, and then go through the many steps to sequence the plants and genetic code, becoming a process that takes weeks or even months. On the other hand when using the “Ray Gun” it is faster to determine whether a plant population is genetically unique such as the Dryas alaskensis and Dryas amanuensis which were proved to be genetically different while in the same environment. The ability to distinguish one genetic population of plants from another is critical for scientists working to protect a threatened population.

This article relates to our Biology class because of DNA barcoding and how it uses information from genes to identify a specific cell line. Researchers have a tool useful to explore and learn more about wildlife due in part to DNA barcoding. The strengths of genetics and DNA barcoding are combined to create a species that is accurate, named, and described. Plants use DNA as their genetic material and can be found in the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplast. The Mitochondria are responsible for the reproduction of energy while the Mitochondrial DNA has a high mutation rate useful to trace genetic information. Plant DNA Barcoding involves two steps to differentiate plants: first, creating a DNA barcode library of known species, and then matching an unknown sample’s DNA barcode sequence against the DNA barcode library.

BioQuakes

AP Biology class blog for discussing current research in Biology

Tag: Plant Evolution

Secrets of Plant Evolution: Unraveling the Genetic Symphony of Algal and Terrestrial Plant Life

Revealing Plant Evolution Using a ‘Ray Gun’

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