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. Robert Gilkerson
Abstract
In this study the expression of oxidative stress response (OSR) proteins in nonaccumulator and hyperaccumulator plant species of the Brassicaceae family were characterized. Oxidative stress was induced via nickel treatment and proteins were characterized through western blotting and image analysis. Statistical analysis indicated that the nonaccumulator species Arabidopsis thaliana significantly decreased catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), copper/zinc-dependent superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD), iron-dependent SOD (FeSOD), manganese-dependent SOD (MnSOD) and metal tolerance protein 1 (MPT1) expression in response to Ni-treatment. The hyperaccumulator species Thlaspi montanum variety montanum displayed either no significant change or a significant increase in OSR regulation following Ni-treatment with the exception of CAT. Overall, the nonaccumulator group displayed a significant decrease in total OSR regulation following Ni-treatment as compared to the other groups. These results suggest that the sustained expression of OSR proteins during oxidative stress may be one of the mechanisms that influence metal tolerance in hyperaccumulator plant species.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2015 Luis M. De Santiago. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/characterization-oxidative-stress-response/docview/1729512496/se-2?accountid=7119