Harris Lab Website |
Jeanne M. Harris lab
Department of Plant Biology University of Vermont |
Photo credit: Lydia Bright
Photo credit: Lydia Bright
Unlike animals, plants develop throughout the course of their lifetime. Most plant development occurs post-embryonically, i.e. after the seed sprouts, and thus is profoundly affected by the conditions of the local environment. My interests focus on the role of both abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) aspects of the environment and the way in which they impact plant development. Legume roots have a complex organization, forming lateral roots like other plants, but also forming symbiotic root nodules in response to signals from Rhizobium bacteria in their environment. How does the environment modulate the development of these symbiotic organs? What are the hormone signals that mediate these changes in the environment? We are also interested in the evolution of symbiotic root nodules. What were the genetic changes that accompanied the evolution of nodulation?
To approach these questions, we use a combination of genetics, physiology, gene expression, imaging and genomics. We work with the legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus and with highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum.
To approach these questions, we use a combination of genetics, physiology, gene expression, imaging and genomics. We work with the legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus and with highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum.
Harris lab, September 2017
back row: Gianna Sassi, Ashley Lantigua, Jeanne Harris, Emily Millar, Sami Connolly, Berke Tinaz
front row: Sanhita Chakraborty and Erin O'Neill
back row: Gianna Sassi, Ashley Lantigua, Jeanne Harris, Emily Millar, Sami Connolly, Berke Tinaz
front row: Sanhita Chakraborty and Erin O'Neill