Research Symposium

BIO

I'm from Salem, Massachusetts, and have a particular interest in plant biology and understanding plant function at the cellular level. I'd like to work at a Biotech company in Boston someday working with genetic engineering.

Rooted in Recognition: Investigating Plant Responses to Beneficial and Pathogenic Microbes​

Abstract

Understanding how plants differentiate between harmful and beneficial bacteria is essential for advancing agricultural sustainability and plant health. Gaining faster insights into these defense mechanisms enables early disease detection and timely intervention, ultimately improving crop resilience. Additionally, harnessing beneficial microbes can enhance plant stress tolerance and support sustainable farming practices. The primary research question guiding this study is: "How do plants distinguish between harmful and beneficial microbes?" We hypothesize that membrane-associated proteins play a crucial role in this differentiation, particularly in detecting bacterial pore-forming toxins. To test this hypothesis, we utilized a microplate method where Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings were planted into 96-well plates. The roots were exposed to bacterial co-cultures, and plant-bacterial interactions were monitored over seven days. Bacterial growth was quantified using fluorescence plate readings. Our findings indicate that differences in microbial load exist across genotypes, particularly in mutants deficient in immune signaling components. These results provide insights into how plants recognize microbial threats and could inform future strategies for enhancing crop resistance.

Keywords: Plant, Immune, Pathogen