Article 1185 of bionet.plants:
Path: samba!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!umn.edu!msus1.msus.edu!TIGGER.STCLOUD.MSUS.EDU!Q00001
Newsgroups: bionet.plants
Subject: undergrad research query
Message-ID: <1993May16.225534.3680@msus1.msus.edu>
From: q00001@TIGGER.STCLOUD.MSUS.EDU
Date: 16 May 93 22:55:33 -0600
Reply-To: q00001@TIGGER.STCLOUD.MSUS.EDU
Organization: ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY, ST. CLOUD, MN
Nntp-Posting-Host: tigger.stcloud.msus.edu
Lines: 68

Dear Bionetters:
At St. Cloud State University we have an active program to provide research
opportunities to undergraduate biology majors.  My area of expertise is
plant physiology.  Currently a number of students are working on projects
which would benefit by advice/comments from those out on the network who
may have more specific knowledge than I can provide.  Additionally, our
literature resources are very limited, although the campuses of the
University of Minnesota are only about an hour away it would be more
efficient if you might be able to offer up some specific citations that
would be helpful.  Below are listed project, in no particular order, which
we are currently working on:

1) Population ecology of aquatic plant species.  We would like to examine
   the changes which occur in distribution and density after brief to
   extended periods of dryness.  Initially, we are looking at extant sites
   which are in the prairie-to-woodland range.  What might be the most
   effect method to determine distribution and density?  We intend to
   examine vegetation during the growing season.
2) Related to (1) above, seed will be harvested from dominant species and
   brought back to the greenhouse/lab.  We did some trials on soil bank
   samples this past fall with little success.  Is there specific
   information on aquatic plant seed physiology/germination requirements?
3) Extraction/purification/identification of taxol from pacific yew.  Are
   you familiar with any references?  Our preferred method of
   identification would be HPLC.
4) Isolation of mitochondria/mitochondrial DNA from plant tissues.  We have
   worked on this but the yield of mitochondria is very low.  Any suggested
   protocols?  We would like to establish protocols which would allow
   students to readily obtain DNA from closely related species and then
   examine restriction endonuclease digest patterns.
5) Isolation and 2-D PAGE (IEF/SDS) analysis of cytoplasmic and membrane
   proteins from plant sources.  We are particularly interested in changes
   in membrane proteins due to changes in environmental/developmental
   conditions.
6) Use of compost derived from mix-solid waste (municipal garbage) as a
   soil amendment.  We would like to examine: a) germination of bedding
   plant seed; b) phototoxicity of compost to seedlings growth and
   development; c) effect of leachate (water soluble compounds) on seedling
   growth.  In graduate school I remember a cress seed germination test.  I
   can't find anything in my rather yellowed notes about this, does anyone
   have a protocol and/or source of cress seeds?  Any information of the
   use of MSW compost as a soil amendment?
7) Tissue culture procedures which will lead to regeneration of Xanthium,
   cockleburs.  The problems in the past has been the excessive browning of
   the tissue when cut and exposed to callus induction medium.  It is
   assumed that the levels of "phenol oxidases" is very high.  We have not
   been able to find any medium additions which will retard this process.
   Any suggestions on how to inhibit this excessive wound response without
   reducing the potential for somatic embryogenesis/regeneration?

A couple of other items that are of interest which we would like to hear
from people about are:

1) Teaching students the Epple-7 (sp?) system verse a GIS system.
2) The course requirements in Botany (Plant Sciences) which would be most
   appropriate to qualify students for employment/graduate studies.
   What are your current course requirements for a degree in Botany?
3) We are investigating a weekend symposium to provide a forum for
   undergraduate student in this region to present research projects.  This
   would not be restricted to Botany, rather all areas of Science and
   Technology.  Have you had a experience with such a program which might
   provide us with some guidance?
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David DeGroote                       e-mail: Q00001@tigger.stcloud.msus.edu
Department of Biological Sciences    office phone: (612) 255-3065
St. Cloud State University           greenhouse phone: (612) 654-5293
St. Cloud, MN                        FAX: (612) 255-4262
56301


