| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section Applequist, Wendy L. [1], Kuhlman, Alyse R. [1], Solomon, James C. [2], Lowry II, Porter P. [2], Bussmann, Rainer [1], Magill, Robert E. [2]. The Missouri Botanical Garden's DNA Bank: Expanding opportunities to serve the American systematics community . The Missouri Botanical Garden's William L. Brown Center maintains a repository of leaf samples preserved in silica gel that are made available to support molecular studies of plant systematics and evolution. This collection comprises over 11,000 accessioned samples, collected from 55 countries and representing 368 families and 2502 genera. About 1600 samples have been distributed, the majority to US-based researchers. Fifteen countries are represented by more than 100 samples (the top four being the United States, Madagascar, New Caledonia, and Bolivia), as are seventeen angiosperm families (by far the most strongly represented being Asteraceae, with over 2200 samples). Over 400 bryophyte samples are also available. The collection therefore has great potential to facilitate the efficient and affordable conduct of molecular systematic studies. The distribution of samples reflects the Garden's international partnerships and collectors' interests; since such biases are probably inevitable, a national network of DNA banks is essential to provide comprehensive support to the botanical research community. We describe briefly the Missouri Botanical Garden's approach to the practical, legal, and ethical challenges associated with running a DNA bank and discuss options for further development. In particular, encouraging and facilitating sample contributions to DNA banks from collectors at institutions without DNA banks has the potential to increase both the scientific value and the utilization of these collections. Broader Impacts:
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Missouri Botanical Garden, William L Brown Center, PO Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166-0299, USA
2 - Missouri Botanical Garden, P. O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166-0299, USA
Keywords:
DNA banking
molecular systematics.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY063
Abstract ID:224 |
