DNA Sequence Analysis of a Pseudomonas fluorescens Genomic Library
Faculty Sponsor
Suzanne Bassett, Spokane Community College
Research Project Abstract
Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici is a soil-borne fungus that affects the roots of wheat crops. Commonly called “take-all,” this disease causes the yield of wheat crops to drop between 10% and 50%. However, Pseudomonas flourescens bacteria, common in the soil and water, produce antibiotics that inhibit the growth of the fungus and are able to control the disease. We hope to find a biological control solution intertwined in the genetics of Pseudomonas flourescens L5.1-96, a strain known to colonize wheat exceptionally well and fight “take-all” disease. DNA sequence analysis was performed on 24 different DNA fragments from a P. fluorescens L5.1-96 genomic library to elucidate genes contributing to the exceptional ability of this particular strain to super-colonize the wheat and control “take-all.” Among the sequences analyzed, the function of one gene is likely involved in protocatechuate metabolism and the function of another may involve seed storage proteins.
Session Number
PS2
Location
Graves Gym
Abstract Number
PS2-aa
DNA Sequence Analysis of a Pseudomonas fluorescens Genomic Library
Graves Gym
Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici is a soil-borne fungus that affects the roots of wheat crops. Commonly called “take-all,” this disease causes the yield of wheat crops to drop between 10% and 50%. However, Pseudomonas flourescens bacteria, common in the soil and water, produce antibiotics that inhibit the growth of the fungus and are able to control the disease. We hope to find a biological control solution intertwined in the genetics of Pseudomonas flourescens L5.1-96, a strain known to colonize wheat exceptionally well and fight “take-all” disease. DNA sequence analysis was performed on 24 different DNA fragments from a P. fluorescens L5.1-96 genomic library to elucidate genes contributing to the exceptional ability of this particular strain to super-colonize the wheat and control “take-all.” Among the sequences analyzed, the function of one gene is likely involved in protocatechuate metabolism and the function of another may involve seed storage proteins.
