An analysis was done of the mRNA levels for the tsaA gene (thiol-specific antioxidant protein) in the wildtype and a mutant strain of the bacterium Chlorobium tepidum (resides in hot springs).The mutant was created by insertional inactivation of the gene for rubisco-like protein. The tsaA product was measured with the dye SYBR Green, and standardized against the mRNA from the sigA gene (Sigma70 protein). Figure A shows the fluorescence of each well for each cycle, and Fig. B shows the standard curve used to determine the concentration for the experimental samples.The mutant has a 13 fold increase in the tasA mRNA level as compared to the wildtype which agrees well with the results found during a proteomics study of the same strains. The results are courtesy of Tom Hanson, Ph.D. (Department of Microbiology).
Figure A