Transformation and Expression of a Mammalian Detoxifying Gene in Epipremnum Aureum Through Agrobacterium Tumefacien Infection

The goal of this research is to produce a transgenic form of epipremnum aureum expressing the transgene for cytochrome p450 2E1, which will be able to efficiently degrade home air pollutants such as-benzene and chloroform. The cut stems of wild type epipremnum aureum (Golden pothos) are sterilized and planted in a vessel, containing MS medium, to produce new and sterile plant materials used in transformation; the new stems from the vessel are then infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens which harbors the plasmid p1302 r2E1. The infected stems are then placed onto the callus inducing medium to generated embryogenic callus. The callus is transferred onto the germination -medium to grow into new plants. Once transformed plants have grown sufficiently, they are tested with PCR and Western Blosts to verify the presence of the2E1 gene. Further testing is then conducted to compare the efficiency of transformed Golden pothos with the 2E1 gene to wild type plants on home air pollutant degradation. Transformed Golden pothos with 2E1 are expected to reduce the amount of air pollutants in atmosphere more than that of the wild type plants. By transforming a common household plant, Golden pothos, we will be able to enhance its ability to break down the pollutants in households, filtering harmful carcinogens from the air.