FY2009 Annual Report Project Descriptions

LIFE SCIENCES

UVM research scientists and outreach specialists ...

  • determine the cellular functions of plant stomata that require ATPRP2 and ATPRP4 within their cell walls
    Role of ATPRPs in Determining Root Hair and Guard Cell Wall Structure
    TIERNEY 5

  • development of an instrument to measure absorption of light by leaves under conditions of diffuse light, which is known to enhance photosynthesis
    Development of a Dual-Beam Integrating Sphere Spectrophotometer for Measuring Absorption of Diffuse UV-VIS Radiation in Leaves and Other Biological Samples
    VOGELMANN 5

  • determine how cell wall structure affects root hair function with respect to water and nutrient absorption from the soil
    Identification of genes regulating polarized secretion of cell wall proteins in arabidopsis
    TIERNEY 5

  • use molecular-genetics tools to assess distribution of genetic diversity across populations of the fiddlehead fern in Vermont regions where it is harvested for the specialty-foods market to assess crop sustainability
    Assessing distribuition and origins of genetic diversity in Vermont's fiddlehead fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris, Onocleaceae).
    BARRINGTON 5

  • investigate the effects of temperature on autumn color development in maple to provide a scientific basis for projecting the potential impact of global warming on autumn leaf coloration
    Potential impacts of global warming on autumn coloration in maple
    PERKINS 5

    • Fungal and Plant Molecular Biology

  • determine the factors that contribute to the legume-specific abscisic acid root response.
    Regulation of Root and Nodule Meristems by the LATD Gene and the Hormone Abscisic Acid in the Model Legume, Medicago Truncatula
     HARRIS 5a

  • determine the function of the LATD protein in the response to the hormone Abscisic Acid.
    Characterization of a LATD-dependent ABA Signaling Pathway in Medicago truncatula roots.
    HARRIS 5a

  • develop new anti-fungal therapeutics and combat biofilm infections
    Fungal Pathogenesis and Development of New Anti-fungal Drugs.
    JOHNSON 5a

  • determine the role of different wavelengths of light on the production of the gaseous hormone, ethylene, and the formation of nitrogen-fixing legume nodules.
    A nodule regulatory network involving light, ethylene and jasmonic acid
    HARRIS 5a

    • Molecular Genetics

  • utilize FTIR spectroscopy to rapidly identify blood borne pathogens in clinical samples
    FTIR Detection of Blood-borne Pathogens
     DONNELLY 5b