Synthetic Biology Approach to Making Drought Tolerant Bradyrhizobium japonicum
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences; Minor in Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
Droughts all across the globe are causing hardship to crops and creating food shortages. One complication for the soil in the regions with drought is high salt concentrations. Because of osmosis, plants' cells shrivel up, therefore becoming useless and killing the plants. Drought also affects the bacteria that associate with plant roots, particularly nitrogen-fixing symbionts of legume plants. The project would let agriculture be introduced to drier areas of the planet. This will allow more crops to be grown and food to be made because they can survive in high salt conditions. The goal of my project was to develop successful salt tolerant strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum that would protect crops. The success of this project would bring about many positive changes to agriculture and the world.
Biography
Southwest Chicago suburbanite, Natalie Holste, is now a senior pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences. Some of her many involvements on campus include holding three positions in Phi Sigma Rho, being a euphonium player in the Symphony Orchestra, and living in the solar village assisting the horticulture sub-team of the Solar House Design Team. In her free time, Ms. Holste loves to play badminton and the piano. After receiving her Bachelor of Science, she plans to get a job in research and development and eventually attend graduate school pursue a PhD.
Presentation Type
OURE Fellows Final Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Carver Room
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2017, 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Synthetic Biology Approach to Making Drought Tolerant Bradyrhizobium japonicum
Carver Room
Droughts all across the globe are causing hardship to crops and creating food shortages. One complication for the soil in the regions with drought is high salt concentrations. Because of osmosis, plants' cells shrivel up, therefore becoming useless and killing the plants. Drought also affects the bacteria that associate with plant roots, particularly nitrogen-fixing symbionts of legume plants. The project would let agriculture be introduced to drier areas of the planet. This will allow more crops to be grown and food to be made because they can survive in high salt conditions. The goal of my project was to develop successful salt tolerant strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum that would protect crops. The success of this project would bring about many positive changes to agriculture and the world.
