Expression Analysis of Important Genes Involved in Nitrogen Metabolism Under Hypoxia

Abstract

Hypoxia or anoxia condition can occurs during flooding or waterlogging and can cause intense damage to the plants. Since oxygen is important for active operation of electron transport chain in mitochondria to generate energy production (ATP) any drop in oxygen can cause an energy crisis during flooding/waterlogging. To cope with this energy crisis plants have developed various anatomical, physiological, and biochemical adaptations. Perception of signals and induction of genes are required for initiation of these adaptive responses. Various genes involved in nitrogen, carbon, and fermentative metabolism play a role in hypoxic tolerance. Regulation of genes involved in nitrogen metabolism also plays a role under hypoxia. Hence in this present chapter we describe the expression of nitrate reductase-1 (NIA1), nitrate reductase-2 (NIA2), and glutamine synthetase-1 (GLN-1) during hypoxia in Arabidopsis.