Students: Mary Ahern, Molecular Environmental Biology and Lauren Kivlen, Microbial Biology

Faculty Mentor: Pat Zambryski

How Do Plant Cells Communicate With Each Other?

Plant cells are surrounded by cell walls so that individual cells do not physically touch. To allow communication between cells, plants have evolved channels, called plasmodesmata (PD), which span the space between cells. Experiment in this project will use techniques, like fluorescence microscopy, to learn about the structure and function of PD through the investigation of mutants with increased or decreased PD-mediated cell-to-cell transport.

Through SPUR, I’ve been able to gain invaluable hands-on laboratory experience within a field that I am extremely passionate about and interested in. Working with the Principle Investigator (PI) and graduate students in the Zambryski lab for the past five months has been hugely motivational and inspiring. Having the opportunity to participate in active research has also contextualized so much of what I have learned, and continue to learn, in my science classes. Going into SPUR, the only technical laboratory experience that I had was completely derived from a classroom setting. I am now comfortable with important lab techniques and procedures such as DNA extraction, performing PCRs, running gels, sequencing DNA, microscopy, and plant care and maintenance. This experience has also furthered my interest in the plant sciences and provided me with a deeper appreciation for the amount of thought and effort that goes into carrying out research. I am very thankful that SPUR has provided me with this opportunity to work as an undergraduate researcher, and am certain that this experience will leave me well prepared for my future endeavors in the field of science.

— Mary Ahern