Pattern formation and developmental control of cell division . Early moss development involves the production of a network of cell filaments with a branching pattern that can be analysed in detail. Similar analysis of mutant phenotypes allows us to judge whether these rules are the ones used by the moss to determine pattern. Gene targeting and the mechanism of genetic transformation . We have devised techniques for genetic transformation as part of our programme to develop mosses as model species.
Stable transformation involves the integration of transforming DNA into the genome.
If homology exists between transforming DNA and genomic DNA, homologous recombination occurs at very high frequency. The alignment of the axis of asymmetry in regenerating protoplasts of the moss, Ceratodon purpureus , is determined independently of axis polarity. Development 122, 371-397. Genetic analysis of the result of re-transformation of transgenic lines of the moss, Physcomitrella patens . Molecular and General Genetics 250, 380-382.