Evolutionary Biology Using new molecular biology techniques such as rapid gene sequencing, scientists are making tremendous strides in understanding the patterns and processes of evolution. Biomolecules also retain signatures of the evolutionary processes of mutation, selection, and migration. Finally, evolutionary studies can help predict how numerous influences, from crop developments to global climate change, will affect the planet's life forms. Molecular and Cellular Biology Since President Yudof chose this as one of five key investment areas for the University in 1997, we have made amazing progress. A genome is the complete set of tens of thousands of genes of a given organism, such as corn or the worm C. elegans.
Genomics consists of determining the sequence and function of all the genes in a genome.
This part of the University's molecular and cellular biology initiative will have applications in agriculture, environmental sciences, and biotechnology. A focus on genomics of microbes and plants is an excellent fit for the University of Minnesota, both because of our faculty strength in microbial and plant sciences and because it will help keep the state's agricultural economy strong. Possible applications include enhancing genes that help plants resist drought or engineering bacteria to produce useful chemicals from agricultural byproducts such as cornstalks. CBS researchers have been major contributors to advancing our understanding of how species diversity influences ecosystem processes, using past climate records as a guide to future conditions, and improving integration of basic biology into policy and environmental decision making. We must continue to explore the fundamental workings of ecosystems and to develop scientifically based policies to protect them.