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Model Medicago species for studies of low temperature signaling and cold acclimation

To identify a model legume experimental system for studying low temperature signaling and cold acclimation, cold-induced expression and regulation of homologues of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cold acclimation-specific genes cas15 and cas30 were examined in M. arborea (relatively frost tolerant) and M. truncatula (relatively frost sensitive). Both cas15 and cas30 genes are present in the genomes of both species but whereas both genes are cold-induced in M. arborea, only cas15 is induced in M. truncatula. Cold-induced expression of these genes is inhibited by calcium chelators and channel blockers and by the membrane fluidizer benzyl alcohol. Treatment of leaves with dimethylsulfoxide, a membrane rigidifier, induced both genes at 25°C. A cold-activated MAP kinase activity was expressed in both species. These results suggest that M. truncatula, an annual, self-pollinated species may be successfully used as model experimental systems in studies of cold signaling and role of cas genes in cold acclimation in legumes.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.30844
Date January 2000
CreatorsKhalil, Hala.
ContributorsDhindsa, R. (advisor)
PublisherMcGill University
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Formatapplication/pdf
CoverageMaster of Science (Department of Biology.)
RightsAll items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
Relationalephsysno: 001808454, proquestno: MQ70547, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest.

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