Evo-Devo II: Does Seedling Protein Biochemistry Reflect Plant Phylogeny and Development??

 

Charlene F. Blando-Hoegler & Carl S. Hoegler

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36

Abstract

Biochemistry of plant seeds and seedlings may provide insights into both evolution and development. The present research compared protein banding from seedling extracts in three plant families (Brassicaceae, Fabaceae and Curcubitaceae). Seeds were allowed to germinate for up to three weeks. Cell lysates were prepared over ice and frozen at -80°C. Before electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), samples were quantified to assure equal protein loading. Stained gels were scanned and quantified to determine banding profile. This exercise enables an undergraduate class to understand whether seedling protein chemistry reflects unique taxonomic characteristics of its plant family.

Keywords:  developmental biology, plant classification, seedling protein

University of Oregon (2014)