Evaluation of RuBisCO gene expression in Caragana arborescens f. pyramidalis LAM. under drought conditions

Abstract

Abstract At present, there is an increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, which leads to significant climatic changes, especially in arid areas. Tree and shrub species provide fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide, ensuring assimilation of inorganic carbon used in photosynthesis, as well as reducing the greenhouse effect. The enzyme Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) binds CO2 and triggers the Calvin cycle. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of the large subunit of the RuBisCO gene (RbcL) in Caragana arborescens f. pyramidalis LAM. and the in-house selected variety Caragana arborescens f. pyramidalis LAM. “Incomparable VNIALMI”, growing under drought conditions on the Kirov forestry (North of the Ergeninskaya Upland) with a characteristic arid climate. RNA was isolated from leaf blades collected at the end of fruiting. RbcL expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR using a universal primer pair selected by us. The study determined that the vital state in C. arborescens f. pyramidalis and C. arborescens f. pyramidalis ‘Incomparable VNIALMI’ was rated as good and that they were adapted to arid climate. Other analysis of RbcL expression showed lower values of amplification threshold cycles in C. arborescens f. pyramidalis LAM. “Incomparable VNIALMI”.