Molecular Signals and Auxin Distribution in Callus Tissue

Tissue culture is a vital technique for maintaining or growing plant cells, tissues, or callus under sterile conditions on a nutrient culture medium, enabling the propagation of genetically identical plants. This study focuses on somatic embryogenesis, a specific tissue culture method where somatic cells develop into embryos and eventually into whole plants under optimal hormonal conditions, particularly auxin and cytokinin. The research aims to identify the molecular and biochemical signals that initiate and form somatic embryos and predict their development based on characteristics within callus tissue. Using Arabidopsis thaliana, we visualize auxin activity with a DR5 auxin reporter and a fluorescent membrane marker to monitor cell outlines under a confocal microscope. By inducing callus formation and subsequent somatic embryogenesis, we analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of auxin to determine its role in embryo formation. We also study callus morphology and growth via live imaging. The methods and results developed from this study will help us discover if auxin concentration will correlate with the initiation sites of somatic embryos, providing insights into the early stages of plant development and enhancing our ability to manipulate somatic embryogenesis across various plant species. If auxin is not the primary signal for somatic embryo induction, the research will explore alternative pathways, contributing to a deeper understanding of plant developmental biology.

I am a passionate sophomore Plant and Soil Science major from Stuttgart, Arkansas. I proudly attend Tuskegee University, where I immerse myself in cutting-edge research in Dr. Marceline Egnin’s lab, focusing extensively on tissue culture in sweet potatoes.This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to expand my research horizons at Cornell University in Dr. Adrienne Roeder’s lab, shifting my focus to arabidopsis. Bringing my project from Tuskegee to Cornell has been a transformative experience, allowing me to build on my previous work and gain invaluable new insights.Initially, I was uncertain about how my research journey would unfold, especially since I had just completed my freshman year of college. However, this experience has been eye-opening, revealing the vast array of opportunities and career paths available in cell and molecular biology. Being here has truly broadened my horizons, and I am more excited than ever to continue my journey in the fascinating world of plant science and biotechnology.