NAME:

Experimental Design $(30$ points$)$

Examine the mock research abstract below and answer the following questions. $(10$ points each$).$

Example Abstract for Evaluation:

Title: "Investigating the Role of the Drosophila melanogaster Gene X in

Drought$-$Responsive Gene Expression"

Abstract:

In this study, we investigate the expression of gene $x$ in Drosophila melanogaster as a model to understand the mechanisms underlying drought stress response in higher plants. Previous studies indicate that gene $x$ is activated under drought conditions, which we hypothesize enhances the organism's adaptability by modulating related stress$-$response pathways. We conducted a series of experiments where fruit flies were exposed to controlled dehydration stress. RNA sequencing $($RNA$-$seq$)$ was utilized to analyze gene expression profiles before, during, and after stress exposure. Our results reveal significant upregulation of gene $x$ and its downstream signaling partners, suggesting a conserved drought response pathway that may be applicable to crop species. This research could provide insights into genetic modifications that improve drought tolerance in agricultural systems.

Evaluation Questions:

What: What is the main research question? What hypothesis is being tested?

Why: Justify the significance of this research? How can understanding these changes in gene expression benefit? contribute to agricultural resilience against climate change? What is the impact?

Importance: What methodologies were used to analyze gene expression, and why were they chosen? How do these methods enhance the reliability of the findings?