Abstract 2164 Phylocomparative Transcriptomics in Corallorhiza: characterizing differential gene expression along a mycoheterotrophic gradient

Orchids are obligate parasitizes of fungi early in their development, when they derive all of their nutrition via the degradation of fungi (mycoheterotrophy). While most orchids transition to autotrophy as they mature, some instead continue to derive at least part of their nutrition from fungi (partial mycoheterotrophy) while others remain parasites and do not conduct photosynthesis (full mycoheterotrophy). Our understanding of changes to gene content and regulation in the nuclear genome through trophic transition remains a persistent knowledge gap.