Using Race Protocol to Get Full Length Gene Fragments of Candidate Genes Selected in \u3ci\u3ePaspalum Vaginatum\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3earabidopsis Thaliana\u3c/i\u3e

The environmental impact of watering gardens and lawns is becoming an increasing problem for the agricultural industry. Water waste has forced strict regulations on the usage of water, and using recycled water for lawn care can be ineffective due to the harsh salts and contaminants present. The sea grass, seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), has exhibited tolerance to high salinity conditions and is currently being investigated for this tolerance. The research conducted focused on identifying and amplifying six candidate genes that may play a role in P. vaginatum’s ability to tolerate high salt contents. Gene fragments for P. vaginatum and the control plant Arabidopsis thaliana underwent a RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) protocol in order to obtain the entire gene sequence. Eleven out of twenty-four gene fragments successfully amplified through RACE and PCR reactions. After successful amplifying and creating gene sequences for all candidate genes, they will be transformed into E. coli for testing. This testing will reveal how the genes respond to high levels of salt stress. This knowledge will contribute to the understanding of how gene expression affects the plants’ response to high levels of sodium. If these genes are confirmed to help aid with salinity resistance, they have the potential to be inserted into grass species that would help benefit plant survival