The graph shows the effect of artificial selection on the protein content of maize kernels. Starting at generation 0, plants were selected for either high or low protein content to produce two strains: Illinois High Protein (IHP, shown in blue) and Illinois Low Protein (ILP, shown in red). At generation 48, researchers reversed the selection on some of the IHP and ILP plants, leading to two new strains: Reverse High Protein (RHP in green) and Reverse Low Protein (RLP in orange). At 90 generations, selection on some of the ILP plants was again reversed to produce a fifth strain, RLP2, shown in purple. Cross sections of the kernels of four of the strains are shown on the right side.
The accompanying downloadable Educator Materials PDF includes background information, graph interpretation and discussion questions. The Student Handout includes the image and background information.
Figure 1 from:
Moose SP, Dudley JW, and Rocheford TR. Maize selection passes the century mark: a unique resource for 21st century genomics. Trends in Plant Science 2004; 9(7):358-64.
Download the full paper in the downloads box.
Date Created 06/22/2016
Date Modified 06/22/2016
