Isolation and molecular characterization of the coconut (Cocos nucifera) 7S globulin cDNA

Date

12-2014

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Roberta N. Garcia

Abstract

Coconut or Cocos nucifera is a widely used seed crop in the tropic areas and also, a good source of nutrition particularly for its lipids as well as proteins. The storage proteins that accumulate in coconut during seed development can be therefore studied for improved nutrition of the crop. This study is specifically concerned with the isolation and characterization of the complementary DNA of coconut 7S globulin, the second most abundant globulin in the crop. The RNA of 7S globulin was isolated from the solid endosperm of a premature coconut, and was reverse transcribed into cDNA. Degenerate primers were designed to amplify approximately 1 kb size of the gene. Polymerase chain reaction was also optimized. The cDNA sequence showed to have 982 base pairs and the deduced amino acid sequence with 325 residues revealed to have a molecular weight of 36871.7 kDa and pI of 9.79. Results from nucleotide BLAST found that it is most similar to its homologues particularly to that of Elaeis guineensis and Phoenix dactylifera which have identities of 94% and 89% respectively. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence were further analyzed using computer programs and webtools. The deduced amino acid sequence also revealed to have two cupin domains. Moreover, coconut 7S globulin showed homology to allergens from Pistacia vera and Sesamum indicum. It is revealed that it is nearest to the Pis v 3 and Ses i 3 allergens and was found to have an allergenic-representative peptide (ARP).

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2014 A127 /S27

Document Type

Thesis

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