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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Chromosome Counts For Packera Paupercula Variety Gypsophila, Chad Larson
Chromosome Counts For Packera Paupercula Variety Gypsophila, Chad Larson
Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato
New plant species develop when diploid plants (having two sets of chromosomes) spontaneously double their chromosomes and the resulting tetraploids (having four sets of chromosomes) are no longer able to back cross to diploid members of the population. The North American plant species Packera paupercula (balsam-leafed ragwort), is widespread and morphologically diverse. An isolated group of populations from the chalky soils of west-central Alabama was recently named Packera paupercula variety gypsophila (the chalk-loving balsam ragwort). The variety’s large diameter pollen grains suggest it may be tetraploid. This project attempts the first chromosome count for the variety by examining cells undergoing …
Characterization Of Fall Leaves As A Source Of Cellulosic Ethanol, Justin Burum
Characterization Of Fall Leaves As A Source Of Cellulosic Ethanol, Justin Burum
Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Ethanol is becoming increasingly popular as a fossil fuel additive or substitute. However, current production of ethanol from corn impacts food prices and appears to have an overall low net yield. New sources need to be identified and new processes developed for ethanol production. Cellulosic ethanol is one such new source. Plant material contains a large amount of cellulose and other polysaccharides which are potential feed stocks for ethanol production. The purpose of this experiment was to characterize the polysaccharide, lignin, and ash content of fall leaves to estimate their potential for ethanol production. A slight modification of the NREL …
Expression Of 9/13 Hydroperoxide Lyase In Cucumber Leaves, Samee Ranginwala
Expression Of 9/13 Hydroperoxide Lyase In Cucumber Leaves, Samee Ranginwala
Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Fatty Acid 9/13-Hydroperoxide Lyase (9/13-HPL) in the cucumber plant is an enzyme that cleaves either 9- or 13-hydroperoxides of polyunsaturated fatty acids to form volatile C9 or C6 aldehydes respectively. Since these aldehydes may play a role in the plant’s defenses against pathogens (K. Matsui, et. al. Phytochemistry 67 (2006) 649-657), the enzyme is stress induced during vulnerable times such as when the plant is injured. In order to better understand how this enzyme is induced, we have developed a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction method to quantitate levels of 9/13-HPL mRNA. In initial experiments, the effect of mechanical wounding …