Acquistion of Confocal Microscope for Research & Teaching

University Of California-Davis, Davis CA

Investigators

Abstract

This award provides partial support for the purchase of a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) with spectral imaging capabilities, and an image analysis system to be housed in the Division of Biological Sciences-Microscopy and Imaging Facility at the University of California, Davis Campus. The instrument will enhance several research projects in basic and applied plant biology, including: (i) Elucidation of the molecular constituents that comprise the unique plasmodesmata-based non-cell-autonomous translocation pathway of plants, (ii) Characterization of the pathways involved in establishing cell fate in Arabidopsis organs, (iii) Identification of the Arabidopsis genes required for gametogenesis and embryogenesis, (iv) Molecular basis of ovule development and evolution, (v) Analysis of Aux/IAA degradation in plants, (vi) Regulation of compound leaf development. (vii) Phytochrome engineering in living cells, (viii) The role of molecular motors in the phragmoplast and during cotton fiber development, (ix) Identification of endogenous and viral component involved in plant systemic infection, (x) Analysis of signal transduction pathways underlying the operation of a tonoplast transport systems involved in plant response to salt stress, and (xi) Kinase signaling in the XA21-mediated plant defense response.