Research Focus

The project explored the research question: Which genes are expressed in Landoltia punctata, and how do they compare with expressed genes from other species?

Landoltia punctata (duckweed) is a freshwater aquatic plant of significant scientific interest due to its applications in:

• Bioremediation
• Potential biofuel production

Methodology

• Isolated and sequenced genes from a cDNA library (mRNA sequences copied into DNA)
• Analyzed previously undetermined sequences from Landoltia punctata
• Performed comparative sequence analysis with other eukaryotic organisms
• Investigated evolutionary relationships through phylogenetic analysis

Research Outcomes

Successfully analyzed and submitted two novel DNA sequences to the NCBI GenBank, the international repository of DNA sequences:

• GenBank Accession: 94PH1.15 WSSP Duckweed cDNA library Landoltia punctata cDNA similar to glutathione peroxidase 6, mRNA sequence - NCBI Entry
• 94PH1.16 WSSP Duckweed cDNA library Landoltia punctata cDNA similar to Rhodanese-like domain-containing protein, mRNA sequence - NCBI Entry

These sequences are now permanently archived in the public database and available for use by the global scientific community.

This project was completed through my participation in the 2015 and 2016 Waksman Student Scholars Program.