PROMOTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BETWEEN INDIA AND THE U.S.

Federica Brandizzi

Michigan State University Federica Brandizzi.jpg

Research Area

Biology, Energy

Institution

Michigan State University

Plants are dynamic systems—they virtually hum with activity at the molecular level. Each cell is a tiny factory, building materials according to instructions provided by DNA. Using genetic means, plants can be coaxed into producing valuable compounds. These are built and packaged in a series of dynamic cell compartments, comparable to an assembly line in a factory. These compartments, collectively named the secretory pathway, are essential to the life of a cell.The research in our laboratory focuses on the investigation of how secretory molecules are packaged and which mechanisms regulate the shipment of compounds to the final destination. We also explore the mechanisms that lead to the establishment and maintenance of organelles of the secretory pathway. The analysis of these topics will give clues to key biological questions on the plant secretory pathway and will provide a better understanding of mechanisms that govern the steps of secretion in plants to enable us to regulate cell secretion and to acquire genetic tools that may lead to better management of natural resources.

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