Untitled Deck Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the function of the HRL1 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana?
HRL1 encodes AtPPT1, essential for metabolite transport between organelles and regulates ROS homeostasis, pathogen defense, and programmed cell death in plants.
AtPPT1 stands for phosphoenolpyruvate/phosphate translocator 1.
How do plants defend themselves against pathogens?
Plants use multiple immune strategies, including:
* Physical barriers (cell walls, cuticles)
* Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production
* Hormonal signaling (salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET))
* Systemic acquired resistance (SAR)
* Pathogenesis-related (PR) gene activation
Each of these strategies plays a crucial role in enhancing plant immunity.
What is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant defense?
ROS act as signaling molecules that trigger hypersensitive response (HR)-like cell death to limit pathogen spread, but excessive ROS can cause tissue damage.
Excessive ROS accumulation is particularly notable in hrl1 mutants.
How was the HRL1 gene cloned?
HRL1 was identified using positional cloning combined with EMS mutagenesis, mapping the mutation and sequencing candidate genes.
EMS stands for ethyl methanesulfonate, a chemical used for mutagenesis.
What happens when HRL1 is overexpressed?
Overexpression leads to disrupted ROS homeostasis, excessive immune signaling, and potential growth defects due to overactive defense responses.
What is the significance of Coenzyme Q10 in plant defense?
Coenzyme Q10 is involved in electron transport and ROS balance, influencing immune responses and oxidative stress.
What effect does the hrl1 mutation have on the plant?
- Increased ROS levels
- Enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae
- Growth defects (stunted growth)
- Pre-activated systemic acquired resistance (SAR)
What role does the mitochondrial electron transport chain play in ROS production?
The mitochondrial electron transport chain produces ROS as a byproduct of ATP synthesis; disruptions can lead to excessive ROS accumulation.
What happens when HRL1 is knocked out completely?
- Reduced ROS accumulation
- Weakened immune responses
- Increased susceptibility to pathogens
How was the function of HRL1 confirmed through genetic complementation?
Researchers reintroduced the wild-type HRL1 gene into hrl1 mutants, restoring normal ROS levels and improving growth.
What is a transgenic animal?
A transgenic animal is one whose genome has been changed to carry a gene from another species or to use genome editing techniques.
What was the first successful transgenic animal?
The first successful transgenic animal is a mouse.
What are the three primary approaches used to create transgenic animals?
- DNA microinjection
- Gene transfer into gametes
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)
What is the purpose of using vectors in transgenesis?
Vectors are used to increase the probability of gene expression by carrying foreign DNA.
What is the most effective transgenic marker currently used?
Fluorescent Protein
What is sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT)?
Sperm-mediated gene transfer is a technique where sperm carries exogenous DNA into the fertilized ovum, integrating it into the embryo’s genome.
What is one of the main ethical concerns regarding transgenesis?
Manipulation of embryos can have a negative impact on animal welfare.
How is transgenic technology applied in agriculture?
- Greater prolificacy and reproductive performance
- High feed consumption and growth rate
- Improved carcass composition
- Improved milk production and/or composition
- Increased disease resistance
What is xenotransplantation?
Xenotransplantation is the transfer of foreign organs into humans, such as humanized pig organs.
What is the success rate of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)?
0.5 to 5%
What is the main advantage of in planta transformation methods over conventional in vitro methods?
Extremely heterogeneous in their modes of action and types of organs targeted for stable transformation.
Which plant species is most commonly transformed using the floral dip method?
Arabidopsis thaliana
What are the two main steps involved in generating stable plant transformants?
- Transformation of the plant cells
- Development of the cell into a whole plant
What is the primary target of the floral dip method in Arabidopsis?
The female reproductive tissues, the ovules.