MSc. Maria Stasińska-Jakubas (3rd year of Doctoral School)
MSc. Michał Arciszewski (2nd year of Doctoral School)

Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolomics, Agricultural Institute, Center for Agricultural Research, HUN-REN (Martonvásár, Hungary)

From 30.10.2023 to 8.12.2023 we completed a research internship at the Center for Agricultural Research, HUN-REN at the Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolomics in Hungary, under the scientific supervision of Prof. Tibor Janda.

The main goal of the trip was to acquire practical skills in conducting biological research on plant reactions to stress factors.

1. Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Martonvásár

During the internship, we improved our practical skills in the field of basic techniques for determining the physiological and biochemical parameters of plants. We had the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the modern tools used in the Department to measure selected photosynthesis parameters (including chlorophyll a fluorescence, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate). Using spectrophotometric methods, we also determined the activity of selected plant antioxidant enzymes (glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase and catalase). We also learned the basics of identification and quantitative determination of selected phytochemicals using gas and liquid chromatography.

2. CIRAS-4 Portable Photosynthesis System

3. Identification of peaks corresponding to individual sample components in gas chromatography

A part of the internship also focused on acquiring and improving skills in the field of molecular biology. Under the watchful eye of the institute’s employees, we explored individual stages of gene expression analysis – from RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, to RT-qPCR measurements and analysis of the results.

4. Plate preparation for RT-qPCR analysis

Apart from the scientific part of the internship, we spent our free time visiting nearby cities and museums. The host institution is located in the center of a beautiful, historical park (Brunszvik Manor Park), in the small town of Martonvásár, located about 30 km from Budapest. We visited the capital of Hungary several times, which delights with its beautiful architecture. In addition to the capital, we also visited nearby towns and the Velence lake.

5. Brunszvik Manor Park, Martonvásár

6. Palace in Brunszvik Manor Park, Martonvásár

7. Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest

8. Michał Arciszewski i Maria Stasińska-Jakubas, Margaret Island

To sum up, the internship at the Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolomics was an intensive period of learning and practice that significantly expanded our knowledge and skills in the field of plant physiology. Working under the supervision of experienced researchers, we have gained valuable experience and knowledge that will positively contribute not only to the implementation of our research tasks, but also to further development in the field of biological sciences.

9. Maria Stasińska-Jakubas, Fatima Gholizadeh i Michał Arciszewski, the laboratory of the Department of Plant Physiology and Metabolimics