Approaches
We are using several approaches to understand the effects of polyploidy on plant function. These approaches are directed toward understanding how polyploidy affects gene expression and genome structure.
Gene Expession
We are initially using three methods to determine if the transcript levels of specific genes are altered by polyploidy. DNA microarrays will allow us to survey thousands of known genes in single experiments; however, it may not be possible to distinguish transcripts of homoeologous genes. AFLP-cDNA will allow us to distinguish homoeologous gene transcripts, although more work will be required to determine the identities of the genes. Northern analyses allow us to anchor the other approaches by an independent methods.
Genome Structure
Polyploidy may be associated with changes in genome structure that could affect gene expression. We will analyze polyploids for DNA rearrangements and for changes in DNA methylation.