The lecture gives an overview about chloroplast biochemistry in plants and algae, with a focus on regulation phenomena. In the practical you will work in a group of two on your own project within a current topic of my research, applying modern methods in biochemistry, genetic modification and spectroscopy.

Research
Our research focusses on the light perception for photosynthesis and for regulation phenomena in diatoms, and their potential for biotechnological approaches. Diatoms are eukaryotic algae responsible for about one fifth of the world-wide oxygen production. Methods include biochemical and spectroscopic characterisation of proteins from wild-type and genetically modified diatoms.

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Module 5a explores fundamental aspects of plant physiology through hands-on experiments, bioinformatic and statistical analyses, and an accompanying lecture and seminar. Students engage in experiments focused on stomatal regulation, plant hormones, plant tropisms, and gene regulation, gaining practical insights into how plants respond to environmental stimuli in a changing climate. The corresponding lecture and seminar provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing plant growth and development.

Research
Our research endeavors focus on elucidating the intricate mechanisms governing plant responses to gravity and climate change. Through meticulous investigations into gravireceptors, signaling pathways, secondary messengers, and hormones, we aim to unravel the complexities of how plants perceive and orient themselves in gravitational fields. We employ innovative techniques such as clinostats, centrifuges, and experiments in altered gravity environments, including platforms like sounding rockets and the ISS. Our research also extends to the study of guard cell movements, elucidating responses to environmental stimuli, such as pathogen recognition, activation of anion channels, and adjustments in stomatal aperture, with the overarching objective of enhancing plant resistance to climate change.

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Research
Our primary research focuses on the molecular mechanisms controlling root stem cell maintenance, vital for the growth and survival of higher plants, especially as roots are key for anchorage and nutrient access. Given the challenges of anthropogenic climate change, understanding the underlying intricate molecular processes is crucial for plant development and architecture. Our team aims to apply insights from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana research to barley (Hordeum vulgare), enhancing plant resilience against adverse climate conditions and contributing to food security.

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In the module “Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry of Eukaryotic Systems" students engage with the fundamental aspects of protein homeostasis, including mechanisms of protein folding, targeting, and quality control, and how these processes are regulated to sustain cellular balance in response to diverse stimuli across eukaryotes. The practical course provides hands-on experience, allowing students to use genetic, physiological, molecular, and biochemical tools to study these mechanisms in plants, highlighting their importance in cell and plant growth and development and stress resilience. This systematic exploration offers insights into protein dynamics, which are crucial for advanced research in cell biology and plant sciences.

Research
As climate change challenges ecosystems and crop yield, our research group focuses on understanding plant resilience to environmental stress, particularly high temperatures. We investigate how plants regulate their response to different stress scenarios, and aim to identify thermotolerance mechanisms that are critical for stress resilience. Our team utilizes advanced physiology, molecular, and genetic tools to study how plants modify their transcriptome landscape to protect against stress and optimize recovery, and ensure how proteins are delivered to the right cellular destination with the aim to discover new strategies to improve plant performance and increase crop yields under challenging environmental conditions.

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