Department of Plant Sciences

Dr Julia Davies, Senior Lecturer

Ion Transport

We are investigating the roles of ion transport proteins in plant and fungal cell biology. In fungal studies, we aim to delineate channels that could serve as novel biocidal targets. In plant studies, our specific interest is the contribution of plasma membrane Cal²⁺ -and K⁺ permeable channel proteins to cell growth and environmental sensing. Ca²⁺ channels can facilitate seemingly diverse processes such as signal transduction and nutrient acquisition, making them critical components of the plant cell.

To investigate channels we use a range of biophysical approaches such as electrophysiology (patch clamping, voltage clamping, MIFE^TM), radioisotope flux analysis and ratiometric imaging. Additionally we deploy molecular techniques such as cloning and heterologous expression, reverse genetics and GFP-tagging.

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PhD Projects available

Contact us:

Department of Plant Sciences
University of Cambridge
Downing Site Downing Street
CAMBRIDGE CB2 3EA
Email: jmd32@cam.ac.uk
Office +44 (0)1223 333900
Lab +44 (0)1223 748980

Using laser microsurgery to cut the root hair cell wall we can release specific parts of the cell for electrophysiological studies.