Abstract/Description
Meloidogyne incognita is an obligate parasitic roundworm that infects the root tips of a wide variety of host plants. This infection directly affects the crop production globally with the loss of crops such as tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. Nematode infection manipulates the plant root by altering gene expression for nematode benefit. Genes such as At2g42005, a putative amino acid transporter, have been found to be upregulated by nematode infection. Characterizing the role of the At2g42005 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana is the first step to understanding its function in nematode infection. The role of At2g42005 were explored by creation of a promoter:GUS vector and gene expression investigation by RT-PCR. The GUS vector is a molecular tool that allows for visualization of gene expression within the tissues of the plant. After plasmid cloning and bacterial transformation, a promoter:GUS vector was created for insertion into flowering plants for visual staining of gene expression. RNA was extracted from various plant tissues and RT-PCR performed to determine At2g42005 expression patterns. The gene At2g42005 was found to be expressed in all tissues examined. Further investigation of RNA expression will be done using qPCR to quantify At2g42005 levels.
Recommended Citation
Medina, Rachel
(2013).
Characterization and Investigation of At2g42005 in Arabidopsis thaliana, a Nematode-Induced Transporter.
Undergraduate Review, 9, 110-115.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/undergrad_rev/vol9/iss1/23
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Articles published in The Undergraduate Review are the property of the individual contributors and may not be reprinted, reformatted, repurposed or duplicated, without the contributor’s consent.