Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Use of the Model Plant Arabidopsis thaliana in Molecular Biology Research

Abstract

Arabidopsis thaliana is a model plant used to study molecular processes that control plant growth and development. It is popularly studied due to its easy maintenance, short generation time, fully sequenced genome and high offspring yield. However, plants can be sensitive to environmental changes and require proper handling. Therefore, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for maintaining Arabidopsis must be optimised for the location that they are being maintained. This project was conducted to develop custom SOPs for MacEwan University for future undergraduate molecular biology research with Arabidopsis thaliana. The SOPs define optimal plant growing conditions and provide step-by-step instruction for seed harvest and storage. In addition, techniques necessary for genetic engineering of Arabidopsis were also tested. SOPs regarding plasmid DNA cloning, purification, quantification and remodelling using Escherichia coli were created. Seeds were also harvested and sterilized throughout the course of the study, providing MacEwan University with a dedicated Arabidopsis seed bank. Researchers at MacEwan University interested in using Arabidopsis thaliana now have immediate access to viable seeds and the information necessary for ensuring plant health and proper plasmid DNA preparation.

Faculty Mentor: Melissa Hills

Department: Biological Science