20th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Retention Of Knobs At Chromosome Termini In Maize
Julie M. Meyer
Dr. Mark Campbell, Faculty Mentor
Knobs are deeply staining chromosomal sites on maize chromosomes composed of a 180 base pair repeat. Their positions on the chromosomes are variable but usually internal in maize and terminal in maize relatives. I used fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to test whether cryptic knob sequences exist at chromosome tips in maize but have avoided normal detection. Long exposure time detects weak signals near the ends of most chromosomes and some cryptic internal sites. Knobless lines are ideal because they do not have the large knobs which can make such detection difficult, if not impossible. I found the Knobless Tama Flint and Knobless Wilbur Flint lines to have cryptic knobs on most chromosomes. Zea diploperennis exhibited knobs on every chromosome, usually at the tips. Thus, maize has cryptic knob sequences at the ends of most chromosomes in a similar situation as its relatives suggesting a conserved function at chromosome termini.
Keywords: maize, FISH, chromosomes
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 6-1
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15 pm