A putative approach for influencing stomatal density by over-expressing NADP-dependent malic enzyme in arabidopsis

<p>Stomata are leaf structures critical for plant survival because they modulate the rate of transpiration. This study will examine a possible mode for regulating stomatal density by over-expressing NADP-dependent malic enzyme (NADP-ME), which is thought to deplete the counter-anion pool in Arabidopsis thaliana guard cells. It was hypothesized that over-expressing NADP-ME in Arabidopsis will elevate stomatal density. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to determine if any differences exist in numbers of stomatal complexes among transgenic lines and wild-type Arabidopsis. The results indicated a significant increase in stomatal numbers among some transgenic plant lines relative to the wild-type. Second, a series of molecular tests were utilized to provide NADP-ME activity and transgene expression evidence. These included western blots, tissue assay blots, enzyme activity assays, and RT-PCR reactions. Altering NADP-ME expression levels may present a putative approach for influencing stomatal development.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

2007

Author dc:creator

• Gabor, Michael M

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Marianne Laporte, Chair
• Dr. Steven Pernecky, Member
• Dr. Glenn Walker, Member

• "Plants transpiration research"
• "Stomata research"
• Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/42

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1041