Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Embryogenesis Christopher Somerville Studies of the genes which regulate the synthesis of cell wall polymers. Mutants of Arabidopsis and transgenic plants that have increased or decreased expression of cloned genes are being used to decipher the mechanisms that regulate the amount and composition of the plant cell wall polymers. Mutants with defects in early embryo development are also being used to identify genes that control the body plan of higher plants. Mechanisms of Disease Resistance Shauna Somerville Characterization of the structure and function of plant genes which confer susceptibility or resistance to bacterial and fungal pathogens of Arabidopsis and barley. Genetic methods are being used to identify genes which are known only by whole-plant phenotypes.
Plastic cylinders expose grassland to an atmosphere having doubled carbon dioxide.
The cylinders are part of an experiment carried out by Chris Field and his colleagues at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve near Stanford. Topics range broadly over current research areas in plant biology. In addition, Carnegie and Stanford plant biologists hold a joint three-day retreat each year at the Marconi Center on Tomales Bay, north of San Francisco. The department's headquarters and principal laboratories are in Stanford. The Stanford facilities include modern laboratory facilities, a seven-acre garden, and nine modern greenhouses, with climate control systems.