Estudio del gen Apetala2 como marcador molecular para identificación de especies de la familia Orchidaceae en los géneros Gongora, Restrepia, Epidemdrum

Abstract

Orchidaceae family comprises a large family of plants whose distinctive feature is its particular flowers shapes where Apetala 2 gene is known as a straight regulator. Being orchids species threatened, molecular techniques represent tools of great impact in the field of biodiversity conservation as rapid identification at species level is possible and can be done. The aim of the present study consists in demonstrating the Apetala 2 utility as molecular marker in order to identify types of orchids focusing on Ecuadorian endemic species: Gongora, Restrepia and Epidendrum. To accomplish this objective primer design was conducted from Ap2 complete sequence of Arabidopsis Thaliana to perform PCR and sequencing assays. Results verified the functionality of in silico PCR primers design owing to amplification of roughly 2000bp-sized band with the first set of primers, as well as 500bp-sized band with the second set of primers, both of them in Epidendrum nocturnum species. PCR products were not observed in Gongora and Restrepia genus, likewise other Epidendrum species. In conclusion Apetala 2 could be considered as molecular marker where primer design is critical to accurately guarantee correct identification.