Afsana Islam

Citation

Thesis Title
Deciphering Kunitz Proteinase Inhibitors in White Clover (Triflolium repens L.): A transcriptional study

Read article at Massey Research Online:

This thesis examined the function of the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor protein family in plants. Trypsin inhibitor proteins are examples of proteinase inhibitors which have long been known to play protective roles in plants particularly against insects and microbe attack. In research with the perennial legume white clover (Trifolium repens L.), a major contributor to pasture productivity in New Zealand, Dr. Islam was able to show that these proteins did play a role in the responses of clover to insect attack. However, she was also able to determine that these proteins are important in regulating the growth of clover and also in responses to environmental stress including drought and mineral deficiency. This comprehensive study showing the tri-functional nature of  proteinase inhibitors is a first for this group of proteins.

Supervisors
Professor Michael McManus
Associate Professor Paul Dijkwel