Introduction

In this experiment we partially sequenced our cDNA insert from Arabidopsis thaliana and studied its gene expression using a variety of techniques. Isolation of plasmid DNA, restriction digestion, subcloning into plasmid vectors, and DNA sequencing were all essential and critial for our understanding of the gene of interest [6]. The computer-assisted programs helped to analyze restriction sites for the insert sequence data and generated a restriction map for the region with the longest open reading frames. Once these open reading frame sequences were obtained from the Mac Vector program, Blast search and other internet programs were utilized to search for homologies in the DNA or protein sequence data banks [5,7].

The protocol for Southern and Northern hybridization experiments required the isolation of genomic DNA and total RNA from Arabidopsis thaliana plant tissues to determine some structural features of our gene and its relatedness to similar genes within its family or species. Also, gene expression was determined from various tissues of Arabidopsis plants and from tissues that have been subjected to selected treatments [6].

In this report, we present a partial characterization of a cDNA clone of Arabidopsis thaliana. We describe the isolation and analysis of the cDNA insert T20778, as well as provide examples of the kinds of information obtained by computer analysis of the specific insert. Future experiments are needed to come to a conclusion to the identity and function of our specific gene in question.