Gene expression in plants is studied to understand how and when genes are turned on or off. Scientists use several methods to measure this.
First, RNA is taken from plant cells because RNA shows which genes are active. The amount of RNA made by a gene tells how much it is expressed.
One common method is RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR). It changes RNA into DNA and checks if a gene is active. qPCR (Quantitative PCR) is used to measure how much a gene is expressed.
Another powerful method is RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). It reads all the RNA in a plant sample to show which genes are working and at what levels. This helps study thousands of genes at once.
Microarray analysis uses a small chip with many DNA spots. It can detect which genes are active in different conditions.
Reporter gene studies are also common. A visible marker gene, such as GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) or GUS, is linked to the gene of interest. When that gene is active, the marker glows or changes color, showing where and when the gene works.
Northern blotting is an older method where RNA is separated on a gel and detected with a labeled probe to show which genes are active.
In situ hybridization uses special probes to see where a gene is expressed inside plant tissues under a microscope.
Proteomics is used to study the proteins produced by genes. This helps connect gene activity with actual protein function.
Bioinformatics and transcriptomics use computer analysis to compare and understand large sets of gene expression data, helping find patterns across different plant stages or conditions.
In short, gene expression in plants is studied by measuring RNA, using fluorescent markers, analyzing proteins, and applying computer tools to see how genes work and respond to the environment.