The process of photosynthesis is largely attributed to the role of the chloroplast. Due to this fact--moreover the importance of photosynthesis--chloroplast DNA is highly conserved. We examined the differences in chloroplast DNA between geographically isolated species of Eastern Red Cedar, an abundant tree species in Indiana. 3 samples of Eastern Red Cedar were taken from two different locations: the Marian Eco Lab and Southwest Way Park. To test variation, we conducted PCR on the intergenomic spacer between the psbA and trnH primers and analyzed their variance. More variance will indicate more genetic difference. If those nearby exhibit less difference than with those far away, this could possibly be attributed to the method of reproduction being maternal (through pine cones instead of pollen). The psbA and trnH primers were selected due to their higher success rate in the barcoding procedure as well as their high discrimination rate which would allow us to both confirm species identity as well as deduce variability.

Creator

• Chen, Abner

• Masquelier, Isaac

• Countryman, Samuel

Language

• English

Keyword

• photosynthesis

• chloroplast DNA

• Eastern Red Cedar

• variability

• relatedness

Date created

• 2024

Resource type

• Poster

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/