biological sciences HONOURs 2014 - The University of Sydney
biological sciences HONOURs 2014 - The University of Sydney
biological sciences HONOURs 2014 - The University of Sydney
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REGULATION OF PLANT<br />
DEVELOPMENT<br />
15<br />
Research Interests<br />
I am interested in how cell fate is controlled and in identifying<br />
the genes and gene networks involved in regulating<br />
developmental processes in the plant life cycle. I carry<br />
out research in two main areas <strong>of</strong> development using the<br />
model species Arabidopsis and Brachypodium and Honours<br />
projects are available in both <strong>of</strong> these areas. Projects within<br />
the laboratory will allow students to build skills in a broad<br />
range <strong>of</strong> techniques in molecular biology and genetics; to<br />
gain experience in experimental design and interpretation<br />
<strong>of</strong> data; and will allow students to explore the wonders <strong>of</strong><br />
developmental biology.<br />
Honours projects<br />
Dr Mary Byrne<br />
1. Genes controlling plant fertility. In plants, the germline cells<br />
Room 114, Macleay<br />
are established in specialized tissues <strong>of</strong> the flowers, late in<br />
Building A12<br />
the plant life cycle. <strong>The</strong> female germline forms in a specialized<br />
organ, the ovule. We have found that mutations in ribosomal T: (02) 9114 0978<br />
proteins have specific developmental phenotypes. Mutation E: mary.byrne@sydney.<br />
in one ribosomal protein gene leads to degeneration <strong>of</strong> the edu.au<br />
female germline cell and results in a dramatic reduction in plant<br />
fertility. We are interested in what stage <strong>of</strong> development <strong>of</strong> the<br />
female germline is sensitive to loss <strong>of</strong> ribosomal proteins and in<br />
determining the molecular mechanism <strong>of</strong> ribosome-mediated control <strong>of</strong> development.<br />
2. Genes controlling inflorescence development. Plants grow and develop via populations<br />
<strong>of</strong> stem cells within structures called meristems. Through cell division, meristems are selfmaintaining<br />
and produce other cells that contribute to plant organs such as leaves and flowers.<br />
Mersitems also dictate when and where organs are formed and in this way they control the<br />
pattern <strong>of</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> a plant. Organ position is in part controlled by the distribution <strong>of</strong> the<br />
plant hormone auxin within the mersitem. To further understand how meristems and auxin<br />
control the arrangement <strong>of</strong> organs in grasses we are focusing on studies <strong>of</strong> several mutants<br />
in Brachypodium where aberrant meristem function leads to fewer and abnormal flowers in a<br />
phenotype that recapitulates defects in auxin distribution. We are identifying and studying the<br />
genes involved.