Scientist Use “Gene Trapping” to Study Floral Development

Scientists are using a method called “gene trapping” to find genes involved in flower formation. The method involves the use of a transformed gene that lacks an external promoter sequence to complete the expression of the gene's trait. The altered gene is inserted randomly into the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana. The altered gene will respond when in the proximity of an active gene that has an external promoter sequence.

Researchers later screen the plants for evidence of the effects of the altered gene. The effects will show up in areas turned on by the “trapped genes” allowing the scientists to find and sequence those genes. Further experiments can be done by modifying the “trapped gene” and studying its expression in the plants.

Link: Trapping Genes That Control Flower Development from I-Newswire

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 1:48 PM on August 2, 2005

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