Research Projects
Potential genetic basis for biotechnological applications of L. punctata in sustainable practices
123SXS1.23 WSSP Duckweed cDNA Library Landoltia punctata clone, translation factor GUF1-like mRNA, partial sequence, mRNA sequence. Sharda, S., Liz, E., and Mead, J., NCBI, October 14, 2023.
This study details the isolation and partial sequence analysis of a GUF1-like mRNA, a translation factor from Landoltia punctata clone 123SXS1.23, conducted at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Liz E. and Dr. J. Mead. Landoltia punctata, or duckweed, is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability in various aquatic environments, making it a model organism for environmental and agricultural research. The experiment involved precise micropipetting techniques to isolate and handle minute volumes of nucleic acids, essential for reducing contamination and preserving sample integrity. Following genomic extraction, reverse transcription generated complementary DNA (cDNA) for the GUF1-like mRNA. Partial sequence analysis of the cDNA highlighted conserved motifs characteristic of GUF1 homologs, critical for maintaining mitochondrial translation fidelity. This work enriches the understanding of mitochondrial translation mechanisms in aquatic plants, offering insights into plant adaptation and the potential genetic basis for biotechnological applications of L. punctata in sustainable practices.
Exploration of L. punctata as a model organism for sustainable, water-based agricultural practices and environmental management.
123SXS2.23 WSSP Duckweed cDNA Library Landoltia punctata clone sequence, mRNA sequence. Sharda, S., Liz, E., and Mead, J., NCBI, October 14, 2023. Accession# JZ988002 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/2592185656
This study reports the construction and partial sequencing of a cDNA library for Landoltia punctata (duckweed), focusing on clone 123SXS2.23, which captures mRNA sequences representative of the plant’s transcriptome. The project, conducted by Sharda, S., Liz, E., and Mead, J. at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, aims to facilitate in-depth genetic analysis of L. punctata, a fast-growing aquatic plant with applications in environmental remediation and biofuel production. The cDNA library was constructed to analyze gene expression profiles and identify sequences related to the plant’s adaptive growth and metabolic efficiency in diverse aquatic environments. Following the extraction and synthesis of mRNA into complementary DNA (cDNA), clone 123SXS2.23 was isolated and sequenced, yielding partial mRNA sequence data now accessible in GenBank under Accession #JZ988002. This sequence provides insight into the plant’s functional genomics and supports further exploration of L. punctata as a model organism for sustainable, water-based agricultural practices and environmental management.
Supporting future research on L. punctata's utility in ecological and biotechnological applications.
Landoltia Punctata cDNA clone Translation Factor GUF1 Homolog, Chloroplastic. Poster presented
Sharda, S., Erin McKay, Elizabeth Lopez (July 2023 ). Landoltia Punctata cDNA clone Translation Factor GUF1 Homolog, Chloroplastic. Poster presented at Biotech Summer Experience, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, USA.
In 2023, as part of Lawrence Livermore Lab’s Biotechnology Summer Experience, I explored the genetic secrets of duckweed—a plant known for its potential to withstand and remediate oil spills—aiming to support ocean preservation efforts. Using various lab techniques, I successfully isolated DNA sequences from bacterial cultures associated with duckweed. Through sequencing, I identified specific proteins these sequences coded for, which could be key to understanding duckweed’s resilience. I’m proud to have three of my sequences now published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) DNA database. This experience deepened my curiosity for biochemistry and inspired me to continue exploring the intersection of genetics and environmental science.
