Enhancer trap expression patterns provide a novel teaching resource

Plant Physiol. 2002 Dec;130(4):1747-53. doi: 10.1104/pp.011197.

Abstract

A collection of Arabidopsis enhancer trap transposants has been identified for use as a teaching tool. This collection serves to assist students in understanding the patterning and organization of plant tissues and cells, and will be useful in plant anatomy, morphology, and developmental biology courses. Each transposant exhibits reporter gene expression in a specific tissue, cell type, or domain, and these lines collectively offer a glimpse of compartments of gene expression. Some compartments correspond to classical definitions of botanical anatomy and can assist in anatomical identification. Other patterns of reporter gene expression are more complex and do not necessarily correspond to known anatomical features. The sensitivity of the beta-glucuronidase histochemical stain provides the student with a colorful and direct way to visualize difficult aspects of plant development and anatomy, and provides the teacher with an invaluable tool for a practical laboratory session.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / chemistry
  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism
  • Biology / education
  • DNA Transposable Elements / genetics*
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Genetic Markers / genetics
  • Glucuronidase / genetics
  • Glucuronidase / metabolism
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Plant Roots / cytology
  • Plant Roots / genetics
  • Plant Shoots / cytology
  • Plant Shoots / genetics
  • Teaching / methods*

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Genetic Markers
  • Glucuronidase