Repetitive DNA sequences in maize: Possible roles in plant adaptation and transient gene expression

Fluctuations as high as 40% in the nuclear DNA content in maize have been observed as a result of adaptive response. The knob DNA sequence has been reported to contribute 16% of this variation. Other DNA sequences involved in genome size variation due to adaptive response have yet to be identified. To isolate and identify such sequences, genomic DNA libraries were constructed from three maize lines adapted to different altitudes. The isolated clones were screened for high copy number inserts through hybridization studies. The relative abundance of six selected clones was determined in 10 maize lines adapted to altitudes ranging from 100-7000 feet. Statistical analysis indicated that two of the isolated sequences had significant positive correlation between altitude and relative abundance in Arizona Indian maize lines adapted to 100-4000 feet. Four of the clones indicated variation in abundance independent of the altitude in all the tested maize lines. These observations provide evidence for the role of repetitive DNA sequences, other than knob, in adaptation of maize to different environmental conditions.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Agronomy

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Bashir, Aftab

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rayburn, A.L.

• Agriculture, Agronomy
• Biology, Molecular

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1994 Bashir, Aftab

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9512296
(UMI)AAI9512296

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/22506