Research in the Department
The Department is the premier University centre for research in plant and microbial sciences. It offers unrivalled research and training opportunities in the following areas:
Plant Development:
We use a number of model plant systems, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Antirrhinum majus in studies of plant development and morphogenesis. A wide variety of experimental approaches, including molecular genetics, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, computer modelling and biochemical techniques are being used to follow developmental processes.
Cell Biology:
A number of research groups focus their attention on the activities of specific cell types such as stomatal guard cells and root hairs, and host responses in virus infected cells. A variety of experimental approaches including electrophysiology, microsampling, bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging are being used to measure physiological processes and gene expression in these specialised cells.
Photosynthesis and Metabolism:
The photosynthetic reactions are crucial for plant metabolism and productivity, and for maintenance of the biosphere. Photosynthesis is studied at the levels of plastid biology, plant cell architecture and gas exchange and leaf dynamics in an ecological context. In addition, other metabolic pathways are genetically dissected and the structure and function of enzymes is being determined.
Epidemiology, Ecology and Evolution:
Work on plant populations in the Department includes taxonomic studies, ecological field work and mathematical modelling of plant-pathogen interactions and ecological theory.
Translational Research:
The Department of Plant Sciences is actively involved in translational research which addresses the challenges facing our planet, including food security, sources of sustainable energy, and maintaining biodiversity. To encourage and facilitate knowledge transfer between academic research and industrial application, the Department also hosts the Cambridge Partnership for Plant Sciences, and is an active partner in the InCrops Project, a new regional initiative to accelerate low carbon innovation based on plant materials.
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