This summer, I continued work previously undergone by past undergraduate and graduate students in Dr. Parkash Dhankher’s laboratory. The project was to characterize and analyze the response of transgenic Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) plants to high levels of arsenic exposure. The transgenic plants were transformed by inserting and then overexpressing the rice aquaporin gene OsNIP1;1 into Brassica juncea plants. The rice aquaporin gene OsNIP1;1 is responsible for the transport of water as well as boron, silicon, and arsenic within plants. Thus, the purpose of the study was to determine if the overexpression of OsNIP1;1 in Brassica juncea plants made the plants more sensitive to arsenic exposure or tolerant to arsenic exposure. Ultimately, the experiment determined that overexpression of OsNIP1;1 in Brassica juncea plants made the plants increasingly sensitive to arsenic exposure. Overall, the study and lab experience gained tremendously improved both my confidence and competence in a laboratory. I have no doubts that my experience in the CAFÉ program will continue to aid me throughout my career.
