9 (2) 2025, APRIL 2025
Pages: 42-54
DOI: 10.63551/jggpb.vol.9.issue02.002
In vivo betacyanin expression via agrobacterium-mediated 35S-RUBY plasmid delivery enhances photosynthetic efficiency and carbon dioxide sequestration in Lactuca sativa
Author: V. Yarlagadda
Category: Genomics
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Abstract:
The focus of this research was to mitigate the absorption of high-energy wavelengths through the insertion of the 35S RUBY plasmid, which contains the genes necessary for Betacyanin synthesis. To evaluate potential benefit of betacyanin expression, a three-pronged assay evaluating absorbance, CO₂ assimilation, and biomass proportion was employed to determine differences in photosynthetic potential in Lactuca sativa plants that were transformed with the 35S RUBY plasmid. The 35S RUBY plasmid coded for an enzyme pathway which converts excess cytoplasmic tyrosine to betacyanin. As a result, visible pigmentation formed on injection sites of chosen plants. After a thorough spectrophotometric analysis of tissue samples along the photosynthetic activity range, both injected and non-injected plants were studied to determine the rate at which CO₂ levels decreased in airtight environments. It was found that plants that were injected with the RUBY plasmid absorbed carbon dioxide at a rate 37.25% (ppm/min) greater than non-treated counterparts. To evaluate the validity of the observed differences in carbon dioxide absorption, each sample group was subject to controlled heat exposure, allowing for dry-weight acquisition. Our results offer a sustainable increase to photosynthesis, which is translatable to in-field use. This approach serves to democratize carbon capture by reducing the demand for energy and complex machinery.
Keywords: Lactuca sativa, agrobacterium-mediated transformation, RUBY plasmid, CO₂ sequestration, Betacyanin
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