JCSET | Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
Systematic Leaf Morphology Based on Anatomical Attributes of Members of the Arum Family (Araceae)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Biology
Minor
Chemistry
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Ingrid Jordon-Thaden
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The recent literature concerning the Arum family (Araceae) has grown in number over the past few years, correlating with a rise of their popularity as ornamental houseplants (Haigh et al, 2023). However, I find that literature concerning the anatomical development and morphology of leaves across the family in a comparative study is lacking (Keating, 2002). Currently, within my own personal collection and the shared teaching collection at Murray State University, I have the opportunity to sample a significant representation of species across the family. Through harvesting, sectioning, mounting on a slide, and observation of leaf anatomical structure via a compound microscope, this study aims to provide a comparative anatomy of leaf structure across intrafamilial clades. In doing so, this study also aims to provide an insight into the differences in leaf structure across genera and to highlight the diversity therewithin. Following Yeung’s protocol (1998), I amassed 48 unique specimens and sectioned fresh material using a hand microtome. The key areas of study for this project are the leaf midrib and petiole, as well as including longitudinal sections of the leaf tip to describe hydathodes. The sections are then stained using 1% TBO suspended in a pH=4.4 benzoate buffer and mounted on slides for observation under light microscopy. Microscope images are then to be photographed of key structures throughout the sample, including vascular bundles, chlorenchyma, aerenchyma/mucilage ducts, epidermis, and calcium oxalate crystals. In the present progress of this study, I have noticed differences in the structure and number of vascular bundles, mucilage cells, calcium oxalate crystals, and other overall anatomical features of different species. I plan to examine these differences further and present how structures have changed from more basal to more recent species evolutionarily.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
Systematic Leaf Morphology Based on Anatomical Attributes of Members of the Arum Family (Araceae)
The recent literature concerning the Arum family (Araceae) has grown in number over the past few years, correlating with a rise of their popularity as ornamental houseplants (Haigh et al, 2023). However, I find that literature concerning the anatomical development and morphology of leaves across the family in a comparative study is lacking (Keating, 2002). Currently, within my own personal collection and the shared teaching collection at Murray State University, I have the opportunity to sample a significant representation of species across the family. Through harvesting, sectioning, mounting on a slide, and observation of leaf anatomical structure via a compound microscope, this study aims to provide a comparative anatomy of leaf structure across intrafamilial clades. In doing so, this study also aims to provide an insight into the differences in leaf structure across genera and to highlight the diversity therewithin. Following Yeung’s protocol (1998), I amassed 48 unique specimens and sectioned fresh material using a hand microtome. The key areas of study for this project are the leaf midrib and petiole, as well as including longitudinal sections of the leaf tip to describe hydathodes. The sections are then stained using 1% TBO suspended in a pH=4.4 benzoate buffer and mounted on slides for observation under light microscopy. Microscope images are then to be photographed of key structures throughout the sample, including vascular bundles, chlorenchyma, aerenchyma/mucilage ducts, epidermis, and calcium oxalate crystals. In the present progress of this study, I have noticed differences in the structure and number of vascular bundles, mucilage cells, calcium oxalate crystals, and other overall anatomical features of different species. I plan to examine these differences further and present how structures have changed from more basal to more recent species evolutionarily.
