The sequence surrounding the transcriptional start site of a gene is very important in how the gene is expressed. Two experimentally accessible characteristics involved in this area are how mutations affect expression and the exact location of the 5'-end of the transcript. hfr 1-3 is a point mutation, located near the transcription start site of the HFR1 gene in Arabidopsis, that could alter the translation of the protein by any one of numerous possible mechanisms. Lacking a direct way to study its translation affects, I researched whether or not this mutation truly gives an hfr1 mutant phenotype (long hypocotyl in far-red light). I also constructed and carried out a stepwise procedure for determining the position of the 5' -end of the HFR1 transcript, so that future research into how the 5' UTR influences the expression of the HFR1 gene will be possible. This information will also define the promoter region for future studies into regulation of transcript initiation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Puglia, Gary Dennis

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 03D204M

Advisor

• Fairchild, Craig D.

Year

• 2003

Sponsor

• Pfizer, Inc.

Date created

• 2003-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright