The variability of nuclear DNA content of different Pelargonium species estimated by flow cytometry

Abstract

Pelargonium is a versatile genus mainly from the Cape Region, South Africa. The genus is divided into four subgenera and 16 sections characterized by several groups of chromosomes sizes and numbers. The DNA content of species from all subgenera and sections of Pelargonium, except for the sections Subsucculentia and Campylia was estimated using flow cytometry. Nuclei of Pelargonium samples (leaf or petal tissue) and an internal plant standard (leaf tissue) were isolated together and stained with propidium iodide. The DNA content was estimated providing that the 2C peaks of sample and standard be in linearity in the flow cytometer histograms. In total, 96 Pelargonium accessions of 60 species (22 Pelargonium species for the first time) were analyzed. The 2C DNA content ranged from 0.84 pg (P. longifolium, section Hoarea) to 6.69 pg (P. schizopetalum, section Magnistipulacea) and the corresponding 1Cx DNA content from 0.42 pg (P. longifolium) to 1.72 pg (P. transvaalense. This demonstrates the high plasticity within the genus Pelargonium. Some species, such as P. peltatum accessions revealed a pronounced endopolyploidization in leaves but not in petals underlining the importance to choose the right tissue as sample for the flow cytometry analysis. The reported genome sizes are a step forward towards the characterization of the Pelargonium collection within the German Gene Bank for Ornamental Plants and a valuable base for future sequencing programs of the Pelargonium genomes.

Genome Size in the Arenaria ciliata Species Complex (Caryophyllaceae), with Special Focus on A. ciliata subsp. bernensis, a Narrow Endemic of the Swiss Northern Alps

“…Flow cytometry has become the method of choice for measuring DNA content, particularly because its sample preparation and analysis protocols are convenient and rapid [3,4]. The estimation of genome size and ploidy using flow-cytometry is a key data source for the investigation of evolutionary and biogeographical processes, as well as taxonomic issues, both of wild and cultivated plant species and varieties (e.g., [5][6][7][8]).…”

Unveiling the epigenetic landscape of plants using flow cytometry approach

“…In these cases, petals were used as an alternative source of plant material. Petals are a good source of nuclei because they are easily isolated and they contain a high number of nuclei per unit volume [102]. High‐throughput data analysis becomes essential in plant biology to interpret patterns and reveal the fundamental epigenetic mechanisms.…”

Genome Size in the Arenaria ciliata Species Complex (Caryophyllaceae), with Special Focus on Northern Europe and the Arctic

“…[17][18][19]. When applied rigorously [20,21], flow-cytometry is established as a benchmark method for estimation of genome sizes and DNA ploidy levels in plants (e.g., [14,[22][23][24][25][26]), and provides a replicable protocol for comparison of samples with varying collection, storage, preparation and quantity variables [6]-an important consideration for the assembly of material from remote locations. The present work aims to deliver a targeted synthesis of genomic, biogeographic, and ecological information for three Nordic members of the A. ciliata species complex, which have never previously been analyzed collectively.…”