Use of the Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power Test (FRAP) Assay as a Measurement of Antioxidant Power of Plant Phenylpropanoids
Location
CSU
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Christopher Ruhland
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Christopher Ruhland, Faculty Mentor (Biological Sciences) Exposure to enhanced levels,of ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) increases production of UV-B-absorbing phenylpropanoids in some species of plants. Phenylpropanoids are secondary metabolites and products of the Shikimate Pathway and the Kreb's Cycle. While the precise role of these compounds is not fully understood, they accumulate in the upper epidermis of plant foliage and attenuate damaging UV-B before it reaches sensitive chromophores and potentially causes oxidative damage. The chemical structure of phenylpropanoids suggests that they may possess antioxidant capabilities; however this capability has not been directly addressed. The FRAP assay is a rapid and direct test that has been used primarily to quantify the capability and power of non-enzymatic antioxidants in human biological fluids. Here the FRAP assay will be used to determine and quantify the antioxidant power of phenylpropanoids in plant foliage. Ultimately, it will be determined if the increased levels of phenylpropanoids in plant foliage in response to increased levels of exposure to UV-B confer an increased antioxidant capability to the plant.
Use of the Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power Test (FRAP) Assay as a Measurement of Antioxidant Power of Plant Phenylpropanoids
CSU
Christopher Ruhland, Faculty Mentor (Biological Sciences) Exposure to enhanced levels,of ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) increases production of UV-B-absorbing phenylpropanoids in some species of plants. Phenylpropanoids are secondary metabolites and products of the Shikimate Pathway and the Kreb's Cycle. While the precise role of these compounds is not fully understood, they accumulate in the upper epidermis of plant foliage and attenuate damaging UV-B before it reaches sensitive chromophores and potentially causes oxidative damage. The chemical structure of phenylpropanoids suggests that they may possess antioxidant capabilities; however this capability has not been directly addressed. The FRAP assay is a rapid and direct test that has been used primarily to quantify the capability and power of non-enzymatic antioxidants in human biological fluids. Here the FRAP assay will be used to determine and quantify the antioxidant power of phenylpropanoids in plant foliage. Ultimately, it will be determined if the increased levels of phenylpropanoids in plant foliage in response to increased levels of exposure to UV-B confer an increased antioxidant capability to the plant.
