Gene expression of Ntann12 in Nicotiana tabacum to Pb treatment

• Main Authors: Abdul Halim, Nurul Izzah, Phang, Ing Chia
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Q Science (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/29776/1/Gene_expression.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/29776/; http://www.iium.edu.my/irie/13/s13/author/list_p.php?s=name

Plants are sessile organisms that are unable to move away from adverse environmental conditions. In order to survive or adapt their growth to environmental stresses, plants undergo physiological, biochemical and molecular changes. Lead (Pb), on the other hand, is a widespread heavy metal pollutant that is commonly found in the environment. It is highly persistent and causes toxicity to plants, animals, and human. To advance our understanding in Pb tolerance in plants and subsequently develop phytoremediation technology, there is a need to identify genes associated with Pb stress. Nicotiana tabacum has the characteristics of a plant ideal for phytoremediation. It has deep and highly branched root system, is tolerant to Pb pollutant, and repulsive to herbivores. Recent studies have shown that annexins participate in abiotic stress responses. Ntann12 is an annexin in Nicotiana tabacum. It was found to be upregulated upon Rhodoccocus fascians infection, salt and abscisic acid treatments. It is likely that Ntann12 could be involved in the response of plants to Pb stress and play a role to defend plants against Pb-induced oxidative damage.