Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
8-2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Michael Persans
Second Advisor
Dr. Megan Keniry
Third Advisor
Dr. Matthew Terry
Abstract
This study evaluated the role of hyperaccumulator S. polygaloides Metal Tolerance Protein 1 (SpMTP1) in conferring Ni tolerance and accumulation in the non-accumulator Arabidopsis thaliana. Analysis for Ni content in transgenic Arabidopsis transformed with SpMTP1, following a 12-day treatment of 100 µM Ni, showed a significant increase in Ni concentration in comparison to the wild-type Arabidopsis and empty vector transformed plants. Exposure of transgenic Arabidopsis to nickel also resulted in a coordinated increase of antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and catalase) activities in the transgenic Arabidopsis, suggesting that increased activities of these oxidative stress response (OSR) proteins may be due to SpMTP1 overexpression. These results demonstrate that expression of SpMTP1 in transgenic Arabidopsis can promote the transport and accumulation of nickel, as well as increase OSR enzymatic activities, which may serve as a plant model in improving plant candidates for use in the phytoextraction of nickel polluted soils.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2015 Madeleine K. Sano. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/exploration-nickel-tolerance-hyperaccumulation-i/docview/1734467372/se-2?accountid=7119