Conclusion/Experiment Reflection

      Our original research question was: What are the similarities between sunflowers and daisies and what makes them different from lilies? Our hypothesis, based on our prior knowledge and basic observations, was: We believe that daisies and sunflowers will have more similarities than they have to lilies, and therefore, are more closely related to each other than they are to lilies because of their similar pollen structure, petals shape and texture, and stem shape as opposed to the lily's trumpet-like shape and thin, round stem. Through background research, we found that, indeed, sunflowers and daisies share many similarities and are even in the same family--Asteraceae; lilies are part of the Liliaceae family and have many differences from sunflowers and daisies. Then, by photographing and analyzing pictures of our three plant subects' pollen using a Leica microscope, the SEM, and observing them under a normal microscope, we found that daisy and sunflower pollen appear extremely similar whereas lily pollen appears very different.

Protein Tree

From this tree, it is easy to see that the Lily and Sunflower are more closely related than the Daisy. Both lilies and sunflowers branch from the same common ancestor, but the daisy branches off from a further common ancestor. 

Procedure:

SEM Procedure:

Sample Procedure

1. Collect pollen samples from three different flowers.
2. Take fresh samples and place into dehydrator until dry.

Microscope Procedure

1. When samples are dry prepare SEM stub.
2. Peel carbon tape and align with stub.
3. Place stub firmly on carbon tape and remove.
4. Take tweezers or a straight stick and divide it into thirds. 
5. Mark one third | the second third || and the third third |||.
6. Create a diagram showing where each sample will go. (Ex. |Sample 1||)
7. Place the first sample under under a dissecting microscope.
8. Locate the pollen grains under the microscope.
9. With a clean paint brush, collect the pollen grains on your brush. 
10.  Take the paint brush with the pollen grains and place it to the side.
11. Place the stub underneath the dissecting microscope. 
12. With the brush containing the pollen, carefully brush onto the stub in the correct section.
13. Repeat steps 9-14 with pollen sample 2 and 3.
14. Retrieve can of concentrated oxygen.
15. With the stub in one hand, point the concentrated oxygen 1 1/2 feet away. 
16. In a tornado motion, release oxygen directed at the stub until 2 inches away.
17. Repeat. 
18. Check under dissecting microscope to ensure pollen grains stayed in place.
19. Push stub into place of the SEM cup.
20. Turn it clockwise until it is no longer visible at eye level. 
21. Turn it an additional two notches.
22. Lift SEM door and slide cup into place until you hear a click.
23. Slide door down slowly.
24. Press maze icon to map image. 
25. Click setting> label and label selected sample With the first three letters of the sample, period and first initials of teammates. (Ex. Kanp4avmm) 
26. Locate the selected sample and zoom in at 2000x
27. If image is blurry, press contrast and auto focus until clear. 
28. Take pictures and 2000x or greater if wanted.
29. Go to archives.
30. Select 2000x picture and click ruler icon.
31. Tap one end of pollen and then the next. Record measurement. Save.
32. Repeat with 2 other samples.

Leica Procedure

1. Take first sample and place on the stage.
2. Locate pollen grain and focus. 
3. Capture picture at 35x. Repeat with other 2 samples.

Our Hypothesis

We believe that daisies and sunflowers will have more similarities than they will have to lilies, and therefore, are more closely related to each other than they are to lilies because of their similar pollen structure, petals, and stem shape as opposed to the lily's trumpet-like shape and thin, round stem.