Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Upon the completion of genome projects of many different species, biological research has entered a new era. Information of genes and gene functions is available to public on internet for biologists to analyze and predict the functions of gene of interest. Another achieved in modern molecular biology is that big collection of gene expression data based on microarray research is also available to the public. If students want to study gene function, they can analyze the gene structure and predict the function as well as indentify the expression pattern (when and where to turn on) of the gene of interest.
In the molecular level of genetic, all eukaryotes (plants and animals) share the same or similar mechanisms. Study of plants provides the information that is also important in animal or human physiology. Dr. Lin will direct student in the Molecular and Bioinformatics research with the model plant Arabidopsis thliana. Potential topics including secondary metabolism, seed dormancy and plant growth controls will be available for students who are interested in modern molecular biology.
Why Study Arabidopsis?
- Genome sequencing project is done, easier to obtain information.
- It’s eukaryote, share many similar molecular mechanisms with us.
- Abundant of Microarray data available to use.
- Big collection of T-DNA tagged mutants available.
- Easier to grow, relatively shorter growing time (shorter life cycle).
- Genetic model system, information obtained will be applicable to other systems.
- Grinding a plant feels better than grinding a mouse.
For more information contact Dr. Timothy Lin by email.