Beta-galactosidase activity in tissues of the plant parasite Cuscuta pentagona
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Biology
Other
Molecular and Biomedical Biology
Advisor Information
(mschoenbeck@unomaha.edu) Mark Schoenbeck
Location
CEC RM #201/205/209
Presentation Type
Poster
Poster Size
36" X 24"
Start Date
22-3-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 2:15 PM
Abstract
Beta-galactosidase (β-galactosidase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of a β-galactosidic bond, cleaving a galactose sugar from another organic moiety. β-galactosidase activities have been characterized in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, mediating both metabolic and developmental processes. In plants, β-galactosidase activities are associated with cell wall modification. We have examined the distribution of β-galactosidase activity in the parasitic flowering plant Cuscuta pentagona through histological activity staining using the artificial substrate X-gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-D-galactopyranoside). Abundant activity staining was observed in germinating seeds and seedlings, with the sites of highest activity varying as seedlings develop; this staining was pH sensitive, with the greater staining occurring under lower pH conditions. Activity staining was also observed in flowers, especially in the anthers. As a parasite, C. pentagona makes a penetrative structure, the haustorium, through which it extracts resources from its host plant. β-galactosidase activity was observed in these haustorial tissues. The cut ends of stem tissue segments were also observed to stain, while sites away from the cut did not. Experiments in which X-gal staining was observed at sites away from X-gal exposure suggest that activity at the cut site is a response to wounding, and not due to differential penetration of the stain.
Beta-galactosidase activity in tissues of the plant parasite Cuscuta pentagona
CEC RM #201/205/209
Beta-galactosidase (β-galactosidase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of a β-galactosidic bond, cleaving a galactose sugar from another organic moiety. β-galactosidase activities have been characterized in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, mediating both metabolic and developmental processes. In plants, β-galactosidase activities are associated with cell wall modification. We have examined the distribution of β-galactosidase activity in the parasitic flowering plant Cuscuta pentagona through histological activity staining using the artificial substrate X-gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-D-galactopyranoside). Abundant activity staining was observed in germinating seeds and seedlings, with the sites of highest activity varying as seedlings develop; this staining was pH sensitive, with the greater staining occurring under lower pH conditions. Activity staining was also observed in flowers, especially in the anthers. As a parasite, C. pentagona makes a penetrative structure, the haustorium, through which it extracts resources from its host plant. β-galactosidase activity was observed in these haustorial tissues. The cut ends of stem tissue segments were also observed to stain, while sites away from the cut did not. Experiments in which X-gal staining was observed at sites away from X-gal exposure suggest that activity at the cut site is a response to wounding, and not due to differential penetration of the stain.