For my doctoral thesis I would like to carry out a gene expression analysis in the plant Melissa officinalis. For this purpose, I will examine various genotypes that are located in a field that is 60 kilometers away from my laboratory. My idea is to harvest the plant with the stem, store it in the dark and after an hour's journey, mortar the leaves of the plant in liquid nitrogen and store them at -80°C. It is not possible to carry a nitrogen tank in the field during harvest.
I am concerned about gene regulation in the plant triggered by harvesting. Has anyone had experience with gene expression patterns due to plant harvesting? How strong is the gene regulation, and would this lead to a complete shift in the original 'gene pattern'?
Hi Manuela
expression of stress genes can be seen by this way, but one hour at room temperature even in the dark will conduct to most degradation of DNA and RNA. in addition to what you decided to do, I would add some storage in dry ice in an icebox for the travel.
best regards
fred
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