Attempt to Identify Novel IFT Mutant through PCR Sequencing and Analysis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Flagellar Mutants

Abstract

The flagella organelle is crucial to many different cells and organisms because it allows for sensation and movement throughout a matrix. The Intraflagellar Transport system (IFT) is of particular interest since it helps build and maintain the flagella through anterograde and retrograde transport. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a commonly used model to study the mechanisms of how the flagella organelle functions because its flagella organelle is highly conserved and similar to human cilia and flagella. One route in which to study the flagella organelle is through the creation and analysis of flagellar mutants. Six possible C. reinhardtii IFT mutants (created from a previous transformation process and confirmed through a phototaxis test) were chosen to perform PCR on. These regions of disrupted DNA used for PCR were hypothesized to be related to IFT. The DNA was sent to be sequenced in order to determine what sections of the C. reinhardtii genome were disrupted by the transformation process. Conclusive results are currently being determined. The consequences of improper functioning flagella can be devastating to a cell. Through this research, the flagella organelle and its IFT processes can be better understood, and the findings may even aid in the discovery of cures for flagellar diseases (such as polycystic disease, retinitis pigmentosa, etc.).