16:	Utilizing the fern Ceratorperis richardii, in the research and teaching laboratory at an undergraduate institution.

Authors:	Kuleck, Gary, A.(A)
Affiliations:	(A): Biology Department, Loyola Marymount University
Presenter:	Kuleck, Gary A., gkuleck@lmumail.lmu.edu

The homosporous fern, Ceratopteris richardii is an ideal system in which to combine teaching and research in studying plant development. Low cost of growth and culturing, ease of manipulation and simple mutational screening in a haploid, are some of the advantages. It has proven a valuable model research organism (Int. J. Plant Sci 156:332-345), with application in the teaching laboratory as well (IJPS 156: 385-392) . The focus of my research has been to assess the role of auxin in gametophyte development and to generate and characterize auxin -resistant mutants in the gametophyte. Initial results demonstrate that the exogenous application of the synthetic auxin NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) causes a dose-dependent perturbation in gametophyte morphology and reversibly blocks the expansion of cells involved in two-dimensional growth. My student research team and I have also adapted protocols which have allowed students in the teaching laboratory to experience the discovery process as well. We have designed a simple mutational screening in which all students participate and contribute. Characterization of putative mutants are underway. In addition, the students are attempting to transform Ceratopteris spores using a variety of Agrobacterium-based protocols. The results of these experiments and an elaboration of the successful implementation of Ceratopteris into a plant development laboratory are presented.