Deciphering the Role of BUZZ Cyclin Dependent Kinase-like Genes for Pollen Tubes and Root Hairs in Zea mays

Polar tip growth is crucial for pollen tube elongation during fertilization and root hair elongation for nutrient and water uptake in plants. Polar tip growth is well understood in model organisms, including Arabidopsis thaliana and moss. Previous work identified a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-like (CDK-like) gene, BUZZ, in Brachypodium distachyon. My research focuses on characterizing the putative BUZZ ortholog rth2 in Zea mays. In Chapter 1, I provide a review of polar tip growth in plants. In Chapter 2, I investigate gene expression differences between wild-type and mutant lines to understand their roles in polar tip growth across root hairs and pollen tubes using RNA-seq. In Chapter 3, I develop a protocol for measuring nitrate uptake in maize using a chlorate sensitivity assay. This work aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying polar tip growth, providing foundational knowledge to enhance sustainable agriculture and crop health.