Colleen Jacks ’79

Biology

I am interested in gene expression and how gene expression is regulated. We are using ribosomal protein genes of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana in our investigations. Ribosomes are found in three compartments of the plant cell - the cytoplasm, the plastid (e.g. chloroplast) and the mitochondrion. All three types of ribosomes contain a unique set of proteins, mostly encoded by genes within the nucleus of the cell. The genes encoding cytosolic ribosomal proteins are coordinately regulated, i.e. turned on and off together, in many organisms. In plants, many of the ribosomal proteins are encoded by families of genes. We want to understand the role of each family member in the growth and development of the plant. Currently, we are studying the ribosomal protein S15 gene family. Data from the Arabidopsis genome project indicate there are five members of this gene family and cDNA/EST sequences are available for two members. We are determining the expression pattern in different plant tissues and at different developmental stages for each of these family members using RT-PCR and have isolated a T-DNA insertion mutant for one of the S15 genes. We are also investigating the function and expression of a gene known as H1flk3 linked to one of the S15 genes. This gene of unknown function is one of three related genes isolated from the Arabidopsis genome; the other two genes are linked to histone H1 genes (H1flk1 and H1flk2). We have isolated a T-DNA insertion mutant for the H1flk3 gene.

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Contact Information

Biology
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082

Phone: 507-933-7326
E-mail: cjacks@gustavus.edu

Courses Taught

• Genetics
• Genetics Lab
• Molecular Genetics w/Lab

Colleen Jacks's Schedule