Supervisors

In flowering plants, seed develops after fertilization of an ovule by a pollen grain. This produces a diploid (2n) zygote and a triploid (3n) endosperm. Subsequently, the zygote develops into a multicellular embryo which contains the basic body organization of the future plant, a root, a stem and one or two leaves. Therefore, proper embryo development is necessary for a healthy plant to develop.

Like many developmental processes, embryo development is regulated by plant hormones. Among them, auxin has been identified as a prominent player. During embryogenesis, auxin allows the formation of a embryo body through its concentration gradients, which are maintained by a local production of the hormone and its cellular transport.

In this project, we will study the transcriptional regulators that affect the expression of the genes for auxin production during embryo development.

During our preliminary screening, our lab identified some putative transcription factors. We will confirm their function in the regulation of auxin biosynthesis in the embryo by mutant analysis and over-expression of the identified putative transcription factors. The student will learn a few molecular biology techniques like PCR amplification, cloning and real-time expression analysis. Also, a candidate will have exposure to highly equipped labs of our department, microscopes and plant growth facility.