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Deciphering the Role of BUZZ Cyclin Dependent Kinase-like Genes for Pollen Tubes and Root Hairs in Zea mays
Thesis

Deciphering the Role of BUZZ Cyclin Dependent Kinase-like Genes for Pollen Tubes and Root Hairs in Zea mays

Janel Poisson
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000008717
pdf
Poisson, Janel Thesis2.55 MB
Embargoed Access, Embargo ends: 07/16/2028

Abstract

Brachypodium distachyon Pollen tube elongation Arabidopsis thaliana Zea mays Sustainable Agriculture
Polar tip growth is crucial for pollen tube elongation during fertilization and root hair elongation for nutrient and water uptake in plants. Polar tip growth is well understood in model organisms, including Arabidopsis thaliana and moss. Previous work identified a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-like (CDK-like) gene, BUZZ, in Brachypodium distachyon. My research focuses on characterizing the putative BUZZ ortholog rth2 in Zea mays. In Chapter 1, I provide a review of polar tip growth in plants. In Chapter 2, I investigate gene expression differences between wild-type and mutant lines to understand their roles in polar tip growth across root hairs and pollen tubes using RNA-seq. In Chapter 3, I develop a protocol for measuring nitrate uptake in maize using a chlorate sensitivity assay. This work aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying polar tip growth, providing foundational knowledge to enhance sustainable agriculture and crop health.

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