Submitted by Ben Williams on
Project Description:
Many plants exhibit a remarkable ability to regenerate whole organs and body plans from cuttings. However, little is known about the genetic mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon, as it is absent from the majority of widely studied model species and economically important plants.
The Williams lab aims to use tomato species to study the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underpinning organ regeneration. Within the tomato family, there is extensive variation between strains and species in the capacity with which organs regenerate. This project will entail growing multiple varieties of tomato plant, testing their regeneration phenotypes under various conditions and extracting DNA/RNA for further in-depth studies of underlying mechanisms.
Department:
PMB
Undergraduate's Role:
Plant growth, plant tissue culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR
Undergraduate's Qualifications:
Basic molecular biology classes. Familiarity with molecular biology equipment and techniques (e.g. pipette use, sterile technique). Genetics and Plant Biology major preferred but not essential.
Location:
On Campus
Hours:
To be negotiated
Project URL:
williamsplantlab.com