DOT Project Number:  90-00-LRTF-502, 610

Fiscal Year:  1995-1996

Award:  $13,497.50

Principal Investigator:  Dr. Paul Christiansen, Cornell College, pchristiansen@cornellcollege.edu

Other Project Participants:  Bihn Huynh, Miranda Minton and Craig Tepper

Summary Report:

ISOELECTRIC FOCUSING OF ESTERASE IN PRAIRIE SPECIES: A STUDY OF ECOTYPIC VARIATION

Isoelectric focusing separates proteins in a gel subjected to a low voltage. Proteins migrate to either pole depending upon their size and electrical charge. Within many plant genomes there are multiple copies of genes coding for protein, including the enzyme esterase. In 1995 and 1996 studies were conducted on esterase in seeds of several prairie species.

In 1995 emphasis was placed upon geographical distribution of collections, mostly in north, east, and central Iowa. Twelve prairie species were investigated with an average of 8 collections per species. All species showed variations in esterase gel patterns but no geographic trends were evident. Gels were not of sufficient quality to warrant further analysis.

In 1996 emphasis was shifted to variation within and between populations. Most collections were made from individual plants within populations, usually 6-10 per population. Seventeen species were investigated. Collections were mostly from east-central and north-central Iowa. Outcrossing species showed considerable variation, both within and between populations. Two apomictic species, Dichanthelium oligosanthes var scribnerianum and Stipa spartea showed no within population variation but strong between population variation. A clonal species, Anemone canadensis also showed no within population variation. Gel quality precluded intensive analysis.