Genetic and Molecular Analysis of Organ Fusion in Arabidopsis

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0077979PruittLand plants are exposed to a variety of environmental fluctuations and challenges that require biological adaptations at the outermost surface or "skin" of the plant. A better understanding of the biology of this surface has significance not only for plant growth and development but also pertains directly to the effective use and application of man-made agents such as agricultural herbicides. Arabidopsis thaliana, a member of the mustard family, has been chosen as the model organism for these studies. Significant progress toward elucidating biological features of the plant surface have already been made using this plant. The research described here will expand upon this body of work. The biology of the plant surface as it pertains specifically to its biochemical and molecular properties will be studied using a collection of plants with altered surface properties. Using these plants it will be possible to identify additional components involved in the building and maintenance of the plant outer "skin". By identifying the constituents that make up this complex outer layer and developing a guide for how this surface is put together, a better understanding of how plants mediate responses and adaptations to their environment will be achieved. Insight into these fundamental processes may possibly have far reaching economic consequences by ultimately diminishing the cost of weed management and the impact of weed-based losses in crop productivity. A reduction in herbicide use would have the added benefit of decreasing the environmental impact of modern crop management practices.