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2012 - 11th Annual NC State Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium
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Session Time :
8/1/12 1:30 PM - 8/1/12 2:45 PM
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Content Area : NC State Independent Researchers
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Lead Student Presenters : Benjamin Donald Rusche
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Abstract Title : Predicting Water Use Efficiency in Pinus radiata using SNP Analysis
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Abstract :
The proliferation of next generation DNA sequencing technologies in recent years has made the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) a rapidly expanding scientific field. Previous research has indicated that SNPs in several different genes of the Pinus taeda genome are associated with carbon isotope discrimination (σ13C), an indirect measure of plant water use efficiency. It is unknown however if SNPs in similar genes are associated with carbon isotope discrimination in other tree species. The identification of genetic markers for water use efficiency could be useful for the selection of faster growing and more drought resistant pine trees. In this current phase of research, 1,400 foliage samples were collected from Pinus radiata trees in Chile and their carbon isotope ratios measured. The samples that were on the extreme ends of the dataset were selected and their genetic material extracted utilizing a modified Qiagen DNeasy protocol. Five target genes were amplified from the purified DNA samples and analyzed using Picogreen assay and gel electrophoresis. In the next phase of this research, the amplified genes will be sequenced utilizing a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) method. The identified SNPs will be compared to the known carbon isotope ratios to test if an association exists.
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Mentor and/or Co-Author : Ross W. Whetten
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