Date of Award

12-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Program

Biological Sciences

Department

Biological Sciences

Major Professor

Tiplett, Barbara

Second Advisor

Kim, Hee Jin

Third Advisor

Clancy, Mary

Fourth Advisor

Timpte, Candace

Abstract

Gossypol and its methylated derivatives are produced in the leaves, seeds, stems, and roots of cotton plants. Although gossypol is toxic to many animals, other uses for gossypol are actively being investigated. To develop an experimental model for gossypol biosynthesis, a project to produce hairy root cultures from cotton was initiated. Hairy root cultures from two cotton species, Gossypium hirsutum (DPL 90) and Gossypium barbadense (Sea Island) were developed in this study. Gossypol was synthesized and retained by hairy root tissue at levels similar to that found in cottonseed. Cultures originating from a single transformation event were more similar in their gossypol levels than cultures originating from different transformation events. The effects of media composition, temperature, and addition of elicitors and a signal transducer on culture growth rate and gossypol content were also monitored. The hairy root culture system developed by this project is a suitable model for studying gossypol biosynthesis and nematode resistance.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

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