Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
Atriplex, hexaploid, canescens, Interstate I-80, saltbrush
College
Life Sciences
Department
Plant and Wildlife Sciences
Abstract
Most living organisms have two sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent. Some vascular plants, however, have been shown to possess more than just two sets of chromosomes. Such plants are referred to as being polyploid. The number of sets of chromosomes an organism has is called its ploidy level. Ploidy level is actually a major mechanism of speciation in the plant kingdom (1). Typically, polyploid species have been better able to survive in unstable or harsh environments than diploid species (species containing only two sets of chromosomes). It is believed this is so due to the greater variety of allelles available to the polyploid species (2,3).
Recommended Citation
Jellen, Rick and Lucas, Dr. Richard W.
(2014)
"Examination of Atriplex along Interstate I-80,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 961.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/961