Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Biology

Date of Award

5-2024

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Dhirendra Kumar

Committee Members

Ranjan N Chakraborty, Gerardo Arceo Gomez

Abstract

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) constitute a pervasive class of small proteins implicated in many biological and physiological processes, including seed development, germination, cuticle formation, and abiotic stress responses. In this study, we explored the role of Arabidopsis LTP12 protein in mitigating environmental stresses. To address this, we analyzed the T-DNA knockout mutant ltp12, focusing on its responses to salinity and osmotic stress. Utilizing antioxidant enzyme assays, phenotypic analyses (including water loss, chlorophyll content, seed germination rates, root length, and relative water content), and lipid profile analysis via Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), we found that ltp12 mutants showed reduced catalase and peroxidase activities and poorer hydration, chlorophyll content, germination, and growth under stress, compared to wild-type Col-0 plants. Mutants delayed vegetative-to-floral phase transition compared to wild-type. Additionally, lipid analysis indicated that the wild-type plants had increased phospholipids under high osmotic stress, suggesting LTP12's involvement in lipid reorganization during stress responses.

Document Type

Thesis - embargo

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Available for download on Sunday, June 15, 2025

Included in

Biology Commons

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