The Hypothesis:

If 150 millimolar solution of KNO3 is added to groups of Arabidopsis plants with vs. without the AAP6 gene, then the plants with the gene will be able to transport the KNO3 more efficiently and have a higher growth rate as a result.

The Purpose:

To compare and contrast how wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana plants and genetically modified Arabidopsis thaliana plants react to potassium nitrate versus how plants without potassium nitrate applied.

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Potassium Nitrate: The Experiment Variable

Potassium nitrate is a salt compound used to improve the nutrient and water flow in crops. Potassium is known to help plants transport nutrients such as water, proteins, and sugars. Nitrate is a key nutrient for plants and is used to make genetic molecules such as amino acids and DNA. The application of potassium nitrate on crops may improve yield and reduce the need for heavy use of artificial fertilizers. 

The Variable's Use

In this experiment, potassium nitrate is being applied to Arabidopsis thaliana sample plants. A set of plants with the AAP6 gene enabled will be applied with the variable and another set will not. A set of plants without the AAP6 gene expressed will also be applied with the variable and another set will not. The variable is being applied to determine the effects on the plants as a result of having the AAP6 gene in use or not. The goal of the experiment is to determine other functions of the gene that may be applicable to commercial crops.

Who We Are

We are an AP Biology class at Madison County High School for BRVGS. We are working in cooperation with Virginia Tech to perform this experiment, along with other classes performing similar experiments.