biological sciences HONOURs 2014 - The University of Sydney

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