Honors Program Theses

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Open Access Honors Program Thesis

First Advisor

Julie Kang

Keywords

Canola--Genetics; Canola--Development; Leaves--Development;

Abstract

Canola (Brassica napus) is a broadleaf agricultural plant grown mainly in regions of the United States and Canada. Its seeds are used to produce edible oil (canola oil) as well as biofuel. The study of mutagenized wild-type Brassica napus seeds in the CAN-TILL project, (http://www.botany.ubc.ca/can-till/), led to the discovery of a phenotype called Lamina epiphylla (LIP ). The lip mutant is characterized by changes in leaf shape that cause the leaves to look trumpeted, among other variations. This research project compared wild-type Brassica napus leaf development with the lamina epiphylla mutant to assess leaf development and to determine the precise gene that causes the mutation. By analyzing the anatomy, histology, and genetics of the lip leaf mutant, this investigation will contribute to a deeper understanding of the overall development of this very important oil seed crop. Specifically, understanding the development of leaves, the main photosynthetic organ of the plant, may improve the overall growth of the crop plant. Ultimately this will potentially aid in the production of a larger quantity of seeds which will provide increased oil outputs.

Year of Submission

2014

Department

Department of Biology

University Honors Designation

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designation University Honors

Date Original

2014

Object Description

1 PDF file (27 pages)

Language

EN

File Format

application/pdf

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