The genetic and molecular organisation of the self incompatibility gene region in the grasses. Self-incompatibility (SI) is a cell-cell recognition process used by plants to prevent self-pollination and force outcrossing. It is widespread, occurring in a third of plant families. Although studies of SI go back to the 1800s, the origin of SI remains a mystery. Recent advances in the molecular characterisation of SI loci in some species has re-ignited debate on its origins but has provided few answ ....The genetic and molecular organisation of the self incompatibility gene region in the grasses. Self-incompatibility (SI) is a cell-cell recognition process used by plants to prevent self-pollination and force outcrossing. It is widespread, occurring in a third of plant families. Although studies of SI go back to the 1800s, the origin of SI remains a mystery. Recent advances in the molecular characterisation of SI loci in some species has re-ignited debate on its origins but has provided few answers. This project uses the grasses to explore the origins of SI. As a model system, the grasses offer detailed genetic and molecular data and aspects of floral architecture associated with SI can be investigatedRead moreRead less
The role of toxin biosynthesis for marine dinoflagellates - an evolutionary ecological approach. Dinoflagellates are a group of microalgae that include coral symbionts and phytoplankton. Many species produce potent toxins that can be a problem in the aquaculture industry. This project will use novel genetic methods to investigate the evolution and ecology of toxin production in a variety of marine dinoflagellates.
Can lateral gene transfer lead to ecological innovation in eukaryotes? The role of saxitoxin in the diversification of Alexandrium. This project will determine the processes that led to the acquisition and diversification of the genetic basis for a potent neurotoxin, saxitoxin. This project will determine its impact on the evolution of the marine producing organisms and investigate novel genetic methods of toxin detection.