| Abstract Detail
Genetics Section Panes, Vivian [1], Avelino, Aurora [2], Tan Gana, Neil [3], Abeleda, Joseph [3], Ascue, Robin [3], Bautista, Homer [3], Aranjuez, Kristela [3], Farinas, Rebecca [3], Lopez, Ma. Consuelo [3], Palermo, Vernon [3], Tolentino, Vivian [1], De Guzman, Evelyn [3]. Breaking the Grounds in Molecular Plant Genetics Research on Selected Medicinal Plants of Asteraceae and Lamiaceae in the Philippines. A good number of genetic researches in the Philippines deal with agricultural crops , which may aid in augmenting food supply. Rarely, are there studies in molecular medicinal plant genetics that can be useful for genetic engineering, contributing to the advancement of medicinal crop biotechnology. This research is a paradigm shift underscoring two plant families (Asteraceae and Lamiaceae) known for their medicinal properties. Such plants are ubiquitous in the Philippines, requiring minimal cultivation. There were anecdotal accounts about their medicinal properties but scientific evidences are indeed deficient. This study attempted to develop efficient protocols for DNA and RNA isolation that will produce a pure and high yield of DNA for Artemisia vulgaris (Asteraceae); Blumea balsamifera (Asteraceae) and Vitex negundo (Lamiaceae). This attempt led to the development of the modified CTAB protocol that produced a pure, high yield of DNA which is restrictable and amplifiable. An RNA isolation protocol that ensured a pure and high yield of RNA was also worked out for Artemisia vulgaris and Blumea balsamifera. RT-PCR cDNA analysis was also employed to ascertain the presence of genes that encode for enzymes leading to the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Results of this research proved that the farnesyl diphosphate synthase (fps) gene of the mevalonic acid pathway is present in Artemisia vulgaris. On the other hand, the flavonol synthase (fs) gene of the flavonol synthase metabolic pathway is present in Blumea balsamifera L. Two more plants of the Asteraceae family, Mentha cordifolia Opiz. and Mentha piperita L. were analyzed for the presence of the lim3 gene of the limonene synthase pathway. Results showed that the gene is apparent in both Mentha cordifolia and Mentha piperita. All the amplified products for the cDNA of those plants should be subjected to sequencing for confirmation of the presence of the aforementioned gene.
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1 - Ateneo De Manila University, Biology Department , School of Science and Engineering, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, 1108, The Philippines
2 - Ateneo De Manila University, Department of Biology, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, 1108, Philippines
3 - Ateneo De Manila University, Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, 1108, Philippines
Keywords:
genetics
Biotechnology
Asteraceae
medicinal plants
secondary metabolites.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Ball Room & Party Room/SUB
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2008
Time: 12:30 PM
Number: PGN005
Abstract ID:517 |
