Synthesis and Characterization of Antioxidant Coated Gold Nanoparticles

In plants and animals, offspring typically inherit half of their nuclear genes from each parent, and all of their mitochondrial and chloroplast genes from only one parent (usually from their mothers). However, recent studies have shown evidence of paternal inheritance and bi-parental inheritance of extra-nuclear genes in several species. We investigated patterns of chloroplast inheritance in a native flowering plant, Lobelia siphilitica. Dams from six populations were crossed with sires from twelve populations to track inheritance patterns in the offspring. Fifty-five crosses were examined by sequencing the rps16-psbK region of the chloroplast genome and assigning unique chloroplast sequence types to each individual parent and offspring. We found that offspring matched only their mothers in over eighty percent of the crosses, suggesting that strict maternal inheritance is predominant in this species. However, we found evidence of heteroplasmy (multiple chloroplast types within individuals) in several parents and offspring, and in one cross, strict paternal inheritance was observed in one third of the offspring. Instances of heteroplasmy and paternal inheritance were restricted to four crosses, two of which had the same mother, and all mothers coming from the same population. Understanding the mechanisms and frequency of deviation from maternal inheritance is important for interpreting patterns of evolution in natural populations. It has long been known that free radical oxidation is detrimental to living cells and tissues. Many disease pathologies have been shown or thought to be due to the presence of these free radical oxygen species (ROS). In the presence of these ROS, alterations to normal chemical structure of biologically relevant molecules can be produced. This change in chemical structure however small, can cause large structural changes and can affect the integrity of the cell as well as how the cell functions. These changes can ultimately lead to cell death. It would be extremely valuable to find a way to counter act the reactive oxygen species before they can impart damage to the cellular structure. Antioxidants are a group of molecules that have been shown to process such properties. This study focuses on synthesis and characterization of antioxidant coated gold nanoparticles. Size control has been shown by concentrations studies and monitored by UV-Visible spectroscopy. IR spectroscopy has been performed to show any chemical changes that may have occurred during synthesis of the nanoparticle. Hurricanes pose a yearly threat to the residents and tourists of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. …