Arabidopsis is a small plant with a big purpose in the genetics field. Due to its small genetic composition, short life cycle, and high seed production, it makes for an excellent experimental organism. Belonging to the Brassicacea (mustards), the Arabidopsis grows naturally in such areas Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.
The primary research emphasis of the Sharrock lab is to learn about how light controls plant growth and development. It is known that red and far red visible light regulate many aspects of plant growth through photoreceptor molecules, the phytochromes, found in plant cells. Through altering the genetic makeup of Arabidopsis and producing transgenic plants, Sharrock s lab is isolating and categorizing mutations in the phytochrome genes. Natural Arabidopsis is genetically modified into strains that contain special genes that either enhance or disrupt the production of phytochrome proteins. This is done through a process called Agrobacterium- modified plant transformation. In this process, bacterial species Agrobacterium transfers a cloned piece of DNA, in this case a phytochrome gene, to an Arabidopsis chromosome. This yields a transgenic plant line which is carrying the transferred foreign gene. These phytochromes are what determine the plant s reaction to light. By comparing and contrasting a number of physical and molecular characteristics in the differently mutated and transgenic plants, the lab is attempting to determine which phytochrome acts as a receptor to control a specific aspect of the plant s reaction to light.
In the Northwestern section of the United States the topsoil is relatively thin, creating a problem in growing the nation s fourth highest ranking crop in total value. M. Sativa, or common alfalfa, is characterized as having a tap root, which is not the most efficient for thin topsoil. M. dzhawakhetica, a wild species of alfalfa, has root system a that spreads out closer to the soil surface, giving the plant an advantage in such conditions. The emphasis of McCoy s experimentation is to locate, learn about, and eventually understand the development of the two different root structures. They will then utilize this knowledge to enhance the commercial plant, causing it to be more adaptable to a larger variety of soil conditions.
Helping out in Sharrock s and McCoy s labs was extremely beneficial to me. Being exposed to the studies in a hands-on fashion helped me to realistically evaluate the scientific information I have been continually exposed to since I began school. I observed the direct application of many concepts discussed in class. Such interaction motivates me to perceive scientific knowledge as something to be taken beyond the realm of memorization for a test, and into the realm of understanding for future use. Not only did I increase my knowledge concerning genetics, I increased my appreciation and understanding of science itself. This program allowed me to explore the possibility of furthering my scientific education and maybe, some day, contribute to the vast amount of scientific knowledge.