EVO-DEVO:Does Seed Protein Biochemistry Reflect Plant Phylogeny?

 

Charlene F. Blando-Hoegler & Carl S. Hoegler

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2013, Volume 34

Abstract

Biochemistry of plant seeds should provide insights into evolution. Based on this theme, our workshop used PAGE technique to analyze seed protein extracts from two major plant families. Though the workshop focused on the methodology, the concluding message was to re-examine traditional approaches to the taxonomy of plants, by analysis of protein profiles. During the hour, participants performed abridged hands-on learning, wherein they prepared plant extracts, viewed previous gel runs and photographed protein banding of two families (Brassicaceae and Fabaceae). This exercise could provide a useful primer for an undergraduate class to determine whether seed protein patterns corroborate the relatedness of members of these selected plant families.

Keywords:  developmental biology, seed protein electrophoresis, plant classification

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2012)