Unable to connect to database - 10:08:14 Unable to connect to database - 10:08:14 SQL Statement is null or not a SELECT - 10:08:14 SQL Statement is null or not a DELETE - 10:08:14 Botany & Plant Biology 2007 - Abstract Search
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Abstract Detail


Secondary Metabolism

Prall, Brian C. [1], Howard, Brad [2], Hensley, Jeremy L. [3], Coté, Gary G. [4].

Isolation of RNA from Crystal-Containing Idioblast Cells in the Leaves of the Tropical Aroid Dieffenbachia.

Many plants develop unusual cells, crystal idioblasts, which contain calcium oxalate crystals. The physiological roles of crystal idioblasts are not completely understood, although roles in calcium regulation and in deterring herbivory have been proposed. We have shown that the tropical aroid Dieffenbachia contains multiple varieties of crystal-containing idioblasts, including one variety which remains alive at maturity and is able to forcibly expel the crystals on stimulation. We are attempting to generate a transcriptome specifically of this unusual idioblast cell. We developed methods to isolate live, intact idioblasts from leaves. Extraction of RNA from these isolated cells was apparently complicated by high levels of carbohydate and oxalate which are present, and various extraction methods were tested. A yield of approximately 16.7 μg of RNA was eventually extracted from cells from approximately 80 leaves. Characterization of the quality of the RNA is continuing. The ultimate aim is to produce a cDNA library of idioblast-specific transcripts for further research. Supported by the Radford University Foundation and the Thomas F. and Kate Miller Jeffress Memorial Trust.


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1 - Radford University, Department of Biology
2 - Virginia Bioinformatics Institute
3 - University of Virginia, School of Medicine
4 - Radford University, Department of Biology, Box 6931, Radford, VA, 24142-6931, USA

Keywords:
Dieffenbachia
crystal
idioblast
Calcium
oxalate
mRNA.

Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P20034
Abstract ID:1225


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