Altered gene expression and ecological divergence in sibling allopolyploids of Dactylorhiza (Orchidaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hybridization and polyploidy are potent forces that have regularly stimulated plant evolution and adaptation. Dactylorhiza majalis s.s., D. traunsteineri s.l. and D. ebudensis are three allopolyploid species of a polyploid complex formed through unidirectional (and, in the first two cases, recurrent) hybridization between the widespread diploids D. fuchsii and D. incarnata. Differing considerably in geographical extent and ecological tolerance, the three allopolyploids together provide a useful system to explore genomic responses to allopolyploidization and reveal their role in adaptation to contrasting environments.

Results

Analyses of cDNA-AFLPs show a significant increase in the range of gene expression of these allopolyploid lineages, demonstrating higher pote

SUBMITTER: Paun O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3112086 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature