Explore |
We know that plants grow based on the weather and adapt to the environment around them by regulating water intake and energy usage via their stomata and photosynthesis. Through our research we have also found out that abscisic acid plays a vital role in the growth of these plants, and that genetic mutations can cause deficiencies or even insensitivities that could potentially be detrimental. Abscisic acid stimulates dormancy through the apical meristem, which is where the arabidopsis flowers from. An abscission later is also formed by the ABA, that removes leaves in order to maintain the plant’s energy. Chemical reactions created by the ABA can alleviate turgor or the rigidity of cells in the leaves of plants. |
Research Question |
What effects does the frequency of watering and use of abscisic acid have on the leaves lost and length of stem of our different plants? We came up with this because we know that both water and ABA have effects on the growth of plants. This question fits our topic because we know that abscission and dormancy are both effected by abscisic acid through the abscission layer and effect on the apical meristem as well as turgor. Water collaborates with these changes too, through it’s involvement in growth. |
Predictions |
High water-ABA-wt: Lose substantial leaves, grow moderately
High water-no ABA-wt: Lose some leaves, grow substantially
High water-ABA-aba1-1: Lose some leaves, grow moderately
High water-no ABA-aba1-1: Not lose many leaves, grow substantially
High water-ABA-abi1-1: Not lose many leaves, grow substantially
High water-no ABA-abi1-1: Not lose many leaves, grow substantially
Medium water-ABA-wt: Lose substantial leaves, grow well
Medium water-no ABA-wt: Lose some leaves, grow ok
Medium water-ABA-aba1-1: Lose some leaves, grow ok
Medium water-no ABA-aba1-1: Not lose many leaves, grow well
Medium water-ABA-abi1-1: Not lose many leaves, grow well
Medium water-no ABA-abi1-1: Not lose many leaves, grow well
Low water-ABA-wt: Lose substantial leaves, grow somewhat
Low water-no ABA-wt: Lose some leaves, grow better than with ABA
Low water-ABA-aba1-1: Lose some leaves, grow somewhat
Low water-no ABA-aba1-1: Lose some grow ok
Low water-ABA-abi1-1: Not lose many leaves, grow ok
Low water-no ABA-abi1-1: Not lose many leaves, grow ok |
Experimental Design |
Our plan is to have three bins with three different water levels: high, medium, and low. Each bin has two pods, one with ABA and one without. And each of these pods has two wt, two abi1-1 and two aba1-1. We will water the high water bin to 400mL 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), the medium water 2 times (Wednesday, Friday), and the low water once (Friday). ABA will be sprayed in each ABA pod once a week (one spray for each individual plant pod). We will observe the amount of leaves on each plant and the length of the stem from the bottom stem to the top leaves. We will keep the amount of abscisic acid sprayed, amount of water (400mL), time in water, room temperature, type and power of light, the containers and pods will all be constant. We will record the data in Google Sheets recording each specific mutant, water amount, and ABA addition with a data table. |
Investigation Theme |
BRASSICA |
Grade Level |
High School Students (Grades 9,10,11,12) |
School Name |
Glenbard East High School |
Session |
Fall 2018 |