Parent-Offspring Conflict in Mosses
Studying genetic resource allocation and evolutionary trade-offs in bryophytes.
Project Overview
Ph.D. research in the Budke Laboratory exploring parent-offspring conflicts using moss models. By analyzing resource allocation between maternal moss gametophytes and developing sporophytes, this study uncovers how evolutionary conflicts shape botanical morphology and chemistry.
My Role
Lead Doctoral Researcher. Responsible for culturing bryophytes, performing microscopic imaging, and conducting chemical profiling.
Tools / Stack
Project Details
Implementation Roadmap
Development Process.
Culture moss lines in controlled growth chambers under consistent light and temperature.
Slice the maternal-sporophyte junction using microtome technique for anatomical analysis.
Perform scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize tissue interfaces and transport cells.
Profile nutrient transport and allocation using radiolabeled carbons and mass spectrometry.
Analyze sequence data to identify genes involved in placental development.
Case Study Analysis
Challenges & Outcomes.
Handling extremely small botanical specimens (less than 1mm in size) without damaging cells at the junction.
Employed specialized cryo-preservation and paraffin embedding techniques to maintain structural integrity during microtome sectioning.
Discovered novel transport structures that suggest maternal plants dynamically regulate sporophyte resource consumption, supporting evolutionary parental conflict theory.