Analyzing the Effect of Desiccation on RBCL expression in Chrysanthemum sp.

Peggy Kipa, Kunal Patel, Denise Conley

Fall 2007

Chrysanthemum sp. were tested based on two different variables, amount of water available and location on plant, for the production of the Rubsico large subunit (RBCL).  The hypotheses to be tested are that RBCL is expressed primarily in the leaves of chrysanthemums and that RBCL activity in chrysanthemums would increase in the presence of more moisture.  Leaves and flowers from both desiccated and watered plants were tested for the production of RBCL.  Protein was isolated from the samples and tested for RBCL via Western Blot, and DNA was isolated from the samples and the RBCL encoding region was amplified using real-time PCR.  Real-time PCR was analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis. The agarose gel showed no conclusive results for the presence of RBCL DNA, but the real-time data itself showed the amplification of DNA. The Western Blot also produced no useful data.  Neither hypothesis could not be supported with the results obtained.

Image from: http://www.mooseyscountrygarden.com/perennial-plants/chrysanthemums.jpg. Accessed 2 Oct 2007