Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
5-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Michael Persans
Second Advisor
Dr. Matthew Terry
Third Advisor
Dr. Jonathan Lieman
Abstract
Many plant species in the Brassicaceae plant family possess the ability to accumulate heavy metals. One challenge in using these hyperaccumulator plants for phytoremediation is that they are slow growing and often have a low biomass. This is a limitation should they be utilized for phytoremediation. However, the mechanisms by which hyperaccumulators tolerate heavy metals are of interest as these characteristics can be engineered into a plant species that is more suited for use in phytoremediation. Therefore, modification of oxidative stress response (OSR) gene expression in Brassicaceae species has become of great interest. Oxidative stress gene induction in both non-accumulator and hyper-accumulator plant species can be detected by the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction method. Fold differences in gene expression between non accumulator and hyperaccumulator plant species can be compared to enzymatic activity assays to determine a correlation between OSR gene expression levels and OSR enzyme activity.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2012 Florestella Ruiz. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/assessment-oxidative-stress-gene-expression-i/docview/1024429776/se-2