BIO

I am a sophomore on the pre-med track dedicated to further enhancing my knowledge in the molecular sciences using research as a tool. I am interested in learning more about the complex mechanism of genetics and its impact on organisms. The advancement in science and close guidance from experts within the field of genetics have fueled my ambition to explore this discipline. I hope to be able to contribute to the life’s work of physicians with prolific experience in genetic and cellular functions. In addition, I strive to master my literacy in medicine to detect gaps and provide solutions. I want to encourage curiosity by extending resources and opportunities to low-income communities to not only improve lives but also enhance the academic experience.

Bioinformatic Approach to Nominating Candidate Genes for Uncloned Maize Mutants

Abstract

My project was to select three maize mutants and develop candidate gene lists by inspecting all the gene models in the region where the mutant maps. This involves systematic inspections of genes and their encoded gene products and known or presumed functions. I will pick three mutants for this project and report on what I found. For example, if I chose a seed-starch deficient mutant (e.g. a mutant called sugary45), and it was genetically linked to chromosome 3, I would look at all the known nearby genes using online maize genome websites, MaizeGDB and genomaize.org. For each gene on chromosome 3 near my mutant, I will ask “if this gene was mutated (broken or disrupted), could it result in starchless seed phenotype?” If it could, that gene gets nominated as a “candidate” gene, which could be tested later using molecular biology.

Keywords: Bioinformatic, Genes, Mutants, Maize