Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

through some research, i discovered that three leaf clovers, when damaged young, can result in four leaf clovers. i'm doing this for a science fair project and would like to know how. i would also like to clone or see how the genes are passed on, whether the traits are dominant of recessive. I have lots of time, as this is for a science fair project for next year,but would love to get a head start on it. thank you

Hi Ardnassac,

Just as a rule of thumb, please post messages belonging to the same topic in one single thread instead of multiple threads.

Thanks,

ok, my other question is: why are clovers so useful? what purposes do they serve? do they have any practical applications? anyone want to help me? lol..please?

somone want to help? really need help plz, thnx

ardnassac:

Clovers are legumes and, they fix nitrogen from the atmosphere in the roots. When the roots decompose the nitrogen is released back into the soil for other plants. They also serve as food for livestock.

When four leaf clovers are the result of damage to the growing point of the plant, the 4 leaf trait will not be passed on through the seeds.

Matt Mulanax (Agronomist - one that studies clover and other food crop plants)

how would you know how to damage THREE leaf clovers into four leaf clovers? i heard you could do it somehow..and why? thank you

please? i want to try and do this project within two weeks..as much as i can..well the experiments i mean, as this will be my science fair project...i STILL dont kno how to change three lead clovers into four leaf clovers and why..thnx

please? and if this project is not feasible, is there any way to predict gas prices?

Hi ardnassac,

You might want want to check out the web sites I posted. Please check back in if you still need help.

Thanks.

what website? thnx!

what website are u referring to? all i want to know is how to damage three leaf clovers to get four leaf clovers..or find the gene and somehow turn 3 leaf clovers into 4 leaf clovers

basically, i just want to know how, in anyway, if it's possible to turn 3 leaf clovers into 4 leaf clovers

Here is the gist of the posts on this thread: There is not a gene for making a three leaf clover into a four leaf clover because this change is the result of inducing physical damage to the specimen at an early age. As to determing how, when, and where to damage the plant specimens, I would suggest that you experiment with different methods, times, and places to maxmize the effects of the damage.

Good Luck!

so..basically noone knows how or why to damage three leaf clovers

Hi ardnassac!

ardnassac wrote:what website are u referring to? all i want to know is how to damage three leaf clovers to get four leaf clovers..or find the gene and somehow turn 3 leaf clovers into 4 leaf clovers

Please refer to my post labeled with subject "search sites" under Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert" -> "Physical Science and Math."

The post lists three research and four general sites you can use in addition to google.com.

Hope one of them helps!

I'm sorry for the delay in getting back to you. My error.

Hi ardnassac,

I am re-posting this response from Matt Mulanax. Hi original message was accidentally attached on to another response in a separate forum.

Tina
Science Buddies Staff

ardnassac:

I suggest placing clover seeds in distilled water and place them in the refrigerator. Once each day plate 10-20 seeds on moist germination blotter (paper towel in a ziplock plastic bag will work) for 14 days.

Each day when you plate seeds from the cold water plate 10-20 from the same seed source but not cold treated. The cold treatment will stress the germinating embryo and cause physiologic changes - one of which may be one or two additional leaves.

Matt Mulanax

maybe if you wait for the plant to start sprouting, tear one leaf of the clover in half, then let it grow, maybe it willheal into two leaves having 4 total

ardnassac:

Tearing a leaf is a good idea. You might also want to injury the seedling with a sterile pin (flame with a match or fire place lighter) at the base of attachment of one leaf. When you do the test use as many plants as possible. You are playing a statistical numbers game and need a large sample.

Matt Mulanax

any specific type of clover i should try? are there any other ideas?