Determining the Functional Characterization of the Gene At4g19430 in Arabidopsis thaliana

Presenter: Ivy Quaye

Group Members: Megi Kuruni

Faculty Sponsor: Aleel K. Grennan

School: Worcester State University

Research Area: Biological Organisms

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A59

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the functional characterization of the gene At4g19430 in Arabidopsis thaliana. RNA expression data predicts this gene is expressed in floral tissues, however its function is unknown. Two different transgenic seed lines with the full length gene tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) under either a constitutive or the endogenous promoter were planted out to screen for developmental and tissue specific GFP expression. A promoter region controls when and where a gene is turned on. If the endogenous promoter is developmentally regulated, the gene will only be expressed at specific developmental stages. If it is tissue-specific, the gene will only be expressed in particular tissue. Utilizing bioinformatics tools, we will also perform gene alignment across closely related Brassica species to identify conserved regions and potential functional domains. Furthermore, a genomic analysis will be performed between species to provide insight into divergence of At4g19430 and possible evolutionary conservation.

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