Design of a microscopy-based screening method for stomatal development genes in <i>arabidopsis thaliana</i>

<p>Stomata are microscopic pores in the epidermis of plants that regulate gas exchange and transpiration. Regulation of stomatal behavior offers opportunity for crop improvement; stomata are also useful for research into cell patterning, differentiation, and development. The purpose of this project was to create a reverse genetics, microscopy-based screening method to identify Arabidopsis genes important in guard cell development. It was hypothesized that gene coexpression analysis would facilitate identification of gene candidates involved in stomatal development. Plants harboring mutations in the candidate genes were analyzed to detect a stomatal phenotype, using dental resin impressions and light microscopy. Coexpression screening was a good method to find relevant genes. Twenty-four genes were identified as candidates; four genes presented a stomatal phenotype and should be further studied. Three candidates were reported to have critical roles in stomatal development, validating the method. This study provided a basis for future studies in stomatal functional genetics.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Perez, Mercedes Tatiana Quinteros

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Marianne Laporte, Chair
• Dr. Aaron Liepman, Member
• Dr. Glenn Walker, Member

• Stoma Research
• Arabidopsis thaliana
• Plant molecular genetics
• Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/155

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1154