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Plant Science
The Plant Science Research Theme is headed by Professor Mike Blatt FRSE.
The last two decades have witnessed a revolution in our understanding of the growth and development of plants. The application of molecular genetic approaches, in particular to Arabidopsis thaliana and more recently to rice, has produced a wealth of information on gene and protein sequence, gene regulation and gene function. In addition, increasingly sophisticated microscopical techniques have provided new insights into protein localisation and function within cells. Undoubtedly, recent and future advances in plant science will have far-reaching impacts on agriculture and food production in the decades to come.
Interests within the Plant Science Group reflect this spectrum of endeavour, ranging from fundamental research on plant nutrition, metabolism and signalling to applied work on anti-oxidants found in plant products and their metabolism by man. The Group currently comprises over 50 active scientists. The group is well-supported by the UK Research Councils and industry, with some £5M in grant and contract income.