Molecular, morpho-anatomical and biochemical studies of pollination syndromes in Passiflora spp. (Passifloraceae)

• Grant number: 11/14617-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2011
• End date: September 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Pant Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Carnier Dornelas
• Grantee: Marcelo Carnier Dornelas
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Flowers from Passiflora species show a wide variation in morphology, color, aromas and specilized structures, evolved to attract different polinators. This project aims the characterization of biochemical, morphological and molecular aspects of the evolution of the different pollination syndromes in Passiflora. The flower ontogenesis of at least 10 diferent species will be characterized, with focus on the development of the corona and the androgynophore. We also intent to characterize the floral nectar composition and the perianth and corona pigments for at least 5 species. Finally, we aim to identify and characterize the expression patterns of at least three genes involved with anthocyanin biosynthesis in P. edulis var. flavicarpa Deg. and P. suberosa L., via RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The results will help to provide the molecular basis that will contribute to elucidate the origin and evolution of the different pollination syndromes in the genus Passiflora. (AU)