dc.contributor.advisor |
Putterill, J. |
en |
dc.contributor.advisor |
Harris, P. |
en |
dc.contributor.author |
Krauskopf, Edwin |
en |
dc.date.accessioned |
2020-06-02T04:40:01Z |
en |
dc.date.available |
2020-06-02T04:40:01Z |
en |
dc.date.issued |
2005 |
en |
dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/2292/51253 |
en |
dc.description |
Full text is available to authenticated members of The University of Auckland only. |
en |
dc.description.abstract |
Pinus radiata plantations occupied in 1998 approximately 1.4 million ha in New Zealand. Due to its importance in forestry, a number of breeding techniques have been used in the past to increase the genetic value of Pinus radiata trees, such as selection of superior trees based on their physical characteristics and controlled pollination. However, it is very time consuming to select a tree with improved wood composition, which can only be scored at maturity (25-30 years). The goal of my project was to understand the role of different cellulose synthase genes in wood formation and plant development, which ultimately might be applied to improve wood quality. No full-length cellulose synthase genes had been reported for Pinus spp in the literature. Therefore, the project aimed at isolating a number of cellulose synthase genes from a cDNA library constructed for that purpose. A total of eight cDNA clones encoding cellulose synthases (CesAs) were isolated from a Pinus radiata cDNA library, one of them being full-length (PrCesAlO). An in silico analysis of the PrCesAlO predicted protein showed that it contained the same feature motifs as angiosperm CesAs, as well as the eight predicted transmembrane domains. The pattern of expression of all the isolated genes throughout different organs was analysed by RT-PCR showing no organ specific expression for any of the isolated genes. Since one full-length cDNA was isolated from the library (PrCesAlO), the second half of the thesis project was focused on gaining knowledge on it. GFP fusion proteins were built with the purpose of localising the protein in tobacco BY-2 protoplasts and Arabidopsis epidermal cells. In addition, an attempt was made on trying to prove the function of PrCesAlO using an heterologous system. Wild type Arabidopsis Col ecotype and a cellulose synthase mutant (rswl) were transformed with PrCesAlO. Only one T2 line from the transgenic Arabidopsis Col ecotype showed an interesting phenotype, in which some of the plants showed stunted growth when subjected to an increase in temperature. On the contrary, a T2 line generated from the transformed rswl plants, showed an increase in root growth. However, PrCesAlO was not capable of restoring the wild-type phenotype as revealed by the root assay performed. In situ hybridisation studies with PrCesAlO in stems of 2- and 12-month-old seedlings showed that it was expressed in cells that were laying down secondary cell walls. |
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dc.publisher |
ResearchSpace@Auckland |
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dc.relation.ispartof |
PhD Thesis - University of Auckland |
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dc.relation.isreferencedby |
UoA99149830214002091 |
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dc.rights |
Items in ResearchSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. |
en |
dc.rights |
Restricted Item. Full text is available to authenticated members of The University of Auckland only. |
en |
dc.rights.uri |
https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htm |
en |
dc.title |
Isolation and characterisation of cellulose synthase genes from Pinus radiata |
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dc.type |
Thesis |
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thesis.degree.discipline |
Biological Sciences |
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thesis.degree.grantor |
The University of Auckland |
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thesis.degree.level |
Doctoral |
en |
thesis.degree.name |
PhD |
en |
dc.rights.holder |
Copyright: The author |
en |
dc.identifier.wikidata |
Q112867114 |
|