Dain Regis

Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Clore, Amy

Keywords

Brassinosteroids, Catharanthus roseus L. carpels, Plant Biology

Area of Concentration

Natural Sciences

Abstract

Despite being found in low concentration in plant tissue, brassinosteroids play a significant role in plant growth and development. Past thesis students have shown that treating Catharanthus roseus L. carpels with brassinosteroids has significant effects on their growth and development. Further research has also indicated brassinosteroids as a component of the factor initiating C. roseus carpel fusion. Although brassinosteroids have not been directly detected in C. roseus carpels, this thesis is a preliminary investigation to develop methodology to assess the potential presence of brassinosteroids in carpel exudates using analytical methods. Prior to this study, compounds in the secretions known to mediate fusion have not been identified in C. roseus carpels. Attempts to isolate carpel secretions using agarose gel plates were unsatisfactory. Solid Phase MicroExtraction (SPME) fibers were used instead of gel to directly collect the exudates. Carpels were placed directly onto the fiber and desorbed in the injection port without additional solvent extractions. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry was used to analyze the exudate samples and identify their compounds in the matrix. Results indicate that brassinosteroids may indeed be present in the exudates, but individual brassinosteroids and related compounds could not be conclusively identified. Further research and improved methodology based upon these results are required to confirm brassinosteroids’ presence in C. roseus carpel exudates.

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