OBJECTIVES
The overall aims are to develop an integrated understanding
of growth responses to the environment, to identify the mechanisms
by which environmental signals are sensed and transduced, and to identify
master genes controlling plant vigour. These genes and pathways will
be functionally manipulated and validated in the model plant, Arabidopsis
and two model crops rapeseed and rice.
Specific Objectives:
· Definitive methods of growth analysis under
normal and limiting conditions will be developed, and used to assess
the growth of different genotypes of Arabidopsis.
· Analysis of gene expression, protein profiles,
metabolites and hormone levels will identify genes involved in growth
responses to environmental challenges.
· Vigour related genes and pathways will be
identified using a novel integrated approach.
· Bioinformatic analysis will identify candidate
signalling and transduction components.
· Candidate master regulators of growth responses
and vigour will be assessed in transgenic plants.
· Novel reporter systems will be developed to
allow growth responses to be rapidly monitored.
· Identified genes and information will be assessed
for application to breeding and/or transgenic strategies in rapeseed.
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