Verification of Chromosome Numbers in Utricularia floridana, an Aquatic, Carnivorous Plant Native to the Southeastern United States Zachary Izen Faculty mentor: Gretchen Ionta Georgia College & State University
Previously, we conducted a cytological study of Utricularia floridana, an aquatic, carnivorous flowering plant of the Lentibulariaceae family, establishing a preliminary chromosome number of n=16 based on mitotic root tip counts. We aim to verify these results with meiotic counts from an additional population of this species. Lentibulariaceae are known for their extreme interspecific cytological variability, and the accelerated molecular evolution in this clade of carnivorous plants is of particular interest to plant geneticists. However, minute chromosome size coupled with an absence of roots and a tendency to inhabit inconvenient habitats renders determination of chromosome numbers in this group difficult, such that fewer than 20% of the ca. 233 species of Utricularia have been counted. In June 2018 we collected samples from a population of U. floridana, and after identifying and processing viable meiotic samples, utilized staining techniques to gain a chromosome number of n=16.
Zachary Izen was raised in Buford, Georgia, and currently majors in biology with a research focus in plant science. Post-graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in bioethics.
