A new model for chloroplast-to-nucleus communication during seedling development
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Centre for Biological Sciences
Abstract
The ability of plants to use sunlight for photosynthesis is an essential process that supports life on Earth. Photosynthesis represents the most significant source of new energy to the planet and is therefore central to our considerations on future energy needs. Much of our food is also derived from plants, either directly from vegetables, cereals etc, or indirectly as a source of animal food. In plants (and algae), photosynthesis takes place in organelles called chloroplasts. Most of the 2000-3000 proteins contained in the chloroplast are synthesized from DNA present in another organelle called the nucleus, although the chloroplast can make about 80 of its own proteins. When a new chloroplast is made (chloroplast biogenesis), the important role played by the nucleus means that the two organelles need to communicate. We know quite a lot about how the nucleus sends information to chloroplasts, but the mechanisms by which chloroplasts communicate with the nucleus have remained poorly understood despite over 30 years of research in this area. In this proposal we have taken a large body of published information and used it to develop a model for chloroplast-to-nucleus communication. The principal aim of this proposal is to robustly test this model to see if it is correct.
The model proposes two pathways: a promotive pathway in which chloroplasts signal to the nucleus that all is well; and a second, inhibitory pathway that is activated when things go wrong. Specifically, the accumulation of intermediates in the synthesis of the green, photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll, activates the inhibitory pathway when these pigments are excited by light. The inhibitory pathway then reduces the amount of chlorophyll being made. Such an inhibitory pathway would be important as most chloroplasts are made during early seedling development and too many chlorophyll intermediates would be lethal to a seedling because in the light they are photo-toxic.
The promotive pathway is proposed to be mediated by heme, a molecule related to chlorophyll. We will test whether heme is involved by making plants that contain excess of the heme biosynthesis enzyme ferrochelatase or the heme-degrading enzyme heme oxygenase. We will ascertain whether these plants are still able to communicate between chloroplasts and the nucleus by using assays that measure the expression of specific nuclear genes under a range of different conditions. The second way we will test the model is to examine the role of an important protein in chloroplast-to-nucleus communication called GUN1. This is a chloroplast protein that has been proposed by others to be important in the signaling pathway between chloroplasts and the nucleus. In our model we propose that this is incorrect, and that instead the GUN1 protein has a role in chloroplast biogenesis itself that affects the making of the chloroplast signal. We will test whether this is the case by looking carefully at processes involved in chloroplast biogenesis in mutants lacking GUN1 and conversely in plants that contain excess GUN1 protein. We will determine whether these plants lack the ability to make the chloroplast promotive signal required to maintain nuclear gene expression.
Finally, we will investigate the inhibitory pathway. In a previous study we isolated mutants that were unable to use the inhibitory pathway to reduce nuclear gene expression. In this proposal we will determine which genes are affected in these mutants and use this information to better understand how this pathway might work.
Signals from chloroplasts to the nucleus have been implicated in all sorts of responses to changing environments such as to cold and drought. Our results may have important implications for understanding how plants interact with their changing environment, information that may be important in the future for producing better food and energy crops.
The model proposes two pathways: a promotive pathway in which chloroplasts signal to the nucleus that all is well; and a second, inhibitory pathway that is activated when things go wrong. Specifically, the accumulation of intermediates in the synthesis of the green, photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll, activates the inhibitory pathway when these pigments are excited by light. The inhibitory pathway then reduces the amount of chlorophyll being made. Such an inhibitory pathway would be important as most chloroplasts are made during early seedling development and too many chlorophyll intermediates would be lethal to a seedling because in the light they are photo-toxic.
The promotive pathway is proposed to be mediated by heme, a molecule related to chlorophyll. We will test whether heme is involved by making plants that contain excess of the heme biosynthesis enzyme ferrochelatase or the heme-degrading enzyme heme oxygenase. We will ascertain whether these plants are still able to communicate between chloroplasts and the nucleus by using assays that measure the expression of specific nuclear genes under a range of different conditions. The second way we will test the model is to examine the role of an important protein in chloroplast-to-nucleus communication called GUN1. This is a chloroplast protein that has been proposed by others to be important in the signaling pathway between chloroplasts and the nucleus. In our model we propose that this is incorrect, and that instead the GUN1 protein has a role in chloroplast biogenesis itself that affects the making of the chloroplast signal. We will test whether this is the case by looking carefully at processes involved in chloroplast biogenesis in mutants lacking GUN1 and conversely in plants that contain excess GUN1 protein. We will determine whether these plants lack the ability to make the chloroplast promotive signal required to maintain nuclear gene expression.
Finally, we will investigate the inhibitory pathway. In a previous study we isolated mutants that were unable to use the inhibitory pathway to reduce nuclear gene expression. In this proposal we will determine which genes are affected in these mutants and use this information to better understand how this pathway might work.
Signals from chloroplasts to the nucleus have been implicated in all sorts of responses to changing environments such as to cold and drought. Our results may have important implications for understanding how plants interact with their changing environment, information that may be important in the future for producing better food and energy crops.
Technical Summary
The development of photosynthetically-active chloroplasts is a critical phase during seedling development and requires co-ordination between the nucleus and chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are able to signal the nucleus to regulate gene expression, but this pathway is poorly understood and represents a major gap in our knowledge. In this proposal we have developed a new model for chloroplast-to-nucleus communication that is consistent with published data in the field and comprises both a promotive pathway from developing chloroplasts mediated by a specific heme pool, and an inhibitory pathway when changes in environmental conditions leads to the accumulation of photo-toxic chlorophyll intermediates. We will test this model robustly in three ways. Firstly we will manipulate heme levels by overexpression of the heme biosynthesis enzyme ferrochelatase and the heme-degrading enzyme heme oxygenase and follow the effect of this on nuclear gene expression. We will also develop new methodology to measure heme pools accurately within seedlings subjected to treatments affecting chloroplast signaling. Secondly, we will determine whether the chloroplast protein GUN1 functions as a repressor of chloroplast development, as we hypothesize, rather than as a central integrator of various chloroplast signaling pathways as generally proposed. We will do this by examining chloroplast development in new gun1 mutants and a GUN1 overexpressor, and testing whether GUN1 affects accumulation of the specific heme pool that functions as the promotive signal. Thirdly, we will identify components of the inhibitory pathway by undertaking a molecular characterization of five mutants unable to downregulate nuclear gene expression following accumulation of chlorophyll intermediates in the light. These mutants have already been isolated and represent a significant resource to this project.
Planned Impact
Plants are central both to agriculture, and to conservation of the natural environment. As well as food, they offer resources for construction, natural fibre, and fuel, and contribute to mitigation of climate change. Given these key roles, it is becoming increasingly recognised that we need to understand better the factors that ensure plant productivity so that we can safeguard our food and, increasingly, fuel supply. The most vulnerable stage of a plant's life is during seedling establishment as it becomes photosynthetically competent. This project will study how the photosynthetic apparatus is assembled efficiently and safely in the early stages of seedling development, and how this may be affected by environmental conditions. Our research will have academic impact, and will provide indicators that may be useful in crop plant management and chloroplast biotechnology.
For the academic community, the topic of chloroplast-to-nucleus signaling has been the subject of considerable research effort, but is still poorly understood. As well as researchers in chloroplast biogenesis, a better understanding of how chloroplasts communicate will also benefit those in the related fields of photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis and stress signaling. The methodology that we will develop during the project to measure heme and other tetrapyrroles will be applicable to many analytical projects both academically and in the medical/industrial arenas. The technician employed on the grant will become highly skilled in the use of sophisticated analytical equipment and methodology, enabling her to progress further in a scientific career. The PDRA will benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with and visit Professor Terauchi at Iwate Biotechnology Research Center in Japan.
In terms of the economic impact, our work on chloroplast development in seedlings will impact on our understanding of seedling establishment, an essential factor in plant survival and therefore crop productivity. Moreover, information about how chloroplasts interact with the environment to provide information to the cell is of considerable interest and likely to be important in designing crop plants that will be able to withstand future environmental change scenarios. Future industrial biotechnological approaches using plants will increasingly focus on strategies to harness the biosynthetic potential of chloroplasts, so a better understanding of the interactions of these organelles with the rest of the cell will support these endeavours. To ensure information from this project has significant impact in these commercial sectors we will continue with links that have been developed with technology transfer enterprises and networks, as well as commercial partners, to exploit opportunities arising from this work. Both applicants (independently) are engaged in more targeted research related to the development of algal biofuels and information and skills arising from the current proposal will be beneficial in supporting this work
Both applicants will utilize ongoing and new public outreach activities to explain the role of light and photosynthesis in plant biology through both school activities and to the general public. The current project has important implications for all those interested in plant productivity whether for agriculture, forestry, conservation, bioenergy or the use of plants for the expression of high value products. The work in the current study will also utilise the model plant Arabidopsis to address a fundamental cellular process, namely communication between organelles. Basic research undertaken with Arabidopsis has been shown to translate not only into crop plants but more broadly to be better understanding of fundamental cellular processes that can impact on human health (Jones et al, 2008, Cell 133, 939-43). These are important broad messages about the potential impact of this work that we intend to communicate.
For the academic community, the topic of chloroplast-to-nucleus signaling has been the subject of considerable research effort, but is still poorly understood. As well as researchers in chloroplast biogenesis, a better understanding of how chloroplasts communicate will also benefit those in the related fields of photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis and stress signaling. The methodology that we will develop during the project to measure heme and other tetrapyrroles will be applicable to many analytical projects both academically and in the medical/industrial arenas. The technician employed on the grant will become highly skilled in the use of sophisticated analytical equipment and methodology, enabling her to progress further in a scientific career. The PDRA will benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with and visit Professor Terauchi at Iwate Biotechnology Research Center in Japan.
In terms of the economic impact, our work on chloroplast development in seedlings will impact on our understanding of seedling establishment, an essential factor in plant survival and therefore crop productivity. Moreover, information about how chloroplasts interact with the environment to provide information to the cell is of considerable interest and likely to be important in designing crop plants that will be able to withstand future environmental change scenarios. Future industrial biotechnological approaches using plants will increasingly focus on strategies to harness the biosynthetic potential of chloroplasts, so a better understanding of the interactions of these organelles with the rest of the cell will support these endeavours. To ensure information from this project has significant impact in these commercial sectors we will continue with links that have been developed with technology transfer enterprises and networks, as well as commercial partners, to exploit opportunities arising from this work. Both applicants (independently) are engaged in more targeted research related to the development of algal biofuels and information and skills arising from the current proposal will be beneficial in supporting this work
Both applicants will utilize ongoing and new public outreach activities to explain the role of light and photosynthesis in plant biology through both school activities and to the general public. The current project has important implications for all those interested in plant productivity whether for agriculture, forestry, conservation, bioenergy or the use of plants for the expression of high value products. The work in the current study will also utilise the model plant Arabidopsis to address a fundamental cellular process, namely communication between organelles. Basic research undertaken with Arabidopsis has been shown to translate not only into crop plants but more broadly to be better understanding of fundamental cellular processes that can impact on human health (Jones et al, 2008, Cell 133, 939-43). These are important broad messages about the potential impact of this work that we intend to communicate.
Organisations
- University of Southampton (Lead Research Organisation)
- Iwate Biotechnology Research Centre (Collaboration)
- Hokkaido University (Collaboration)
- University of Kyoto (Collaboration)
- Direction de L'énergie Nucleaire (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- Iwate Biotechnology Research Center (Project Partner)
Publications
Burgess SJ
(2016)
Ancestral light and chloroplast regulation form the foundations for C4 gene expression.
in Nature plants
Hu X
(2017)
The iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis protein SUFB is required for chlorophyll synthesis, but not phytochrome signaling.
in The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology
Page MT
(2017)
Seedlings Lacking the PTM Protein Do Not Show a genomes uncoupled (gun) Mutant Phenotype.
in Plant physiology
Page MT
(2017)
Singlet oxygen initiates a plastid signal controlling photosynthetic gene expression.
in The New phytologist
Page MT
(2020)
Overexpression of chloroplast-targeted ferrochelatase 1 results in a genomes uncoupled chloroplast-to-nucleus retrograde signalling phenotype.
in Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences
Tamiru M
(2014)
The tillering phenotype of the rice plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) loss-of-function mutant is associated with strigolactone deficiency.
in The New phytologist
Tamiru M
(2016)
A chloroplast-localized protein LESION AND LAMINA BENDING affects defence and growth responses in rice.
in The New phytologist
Terry M
(2013)
A model for tetrapyrrole synthesis as the primary mechanism for plastid-to-nucleus signaling during chloroplast biogenesis
in Frontiers in Plant Science
Description | The ability of plants to use sunlight for photosynthesis is an essential process that supports life on Earth. Photosynthesis represents the most significant source of new energy to the planet and is therefore central to our considerations on future energy needs. Much of our food is also derived from plants, either directly from vegetables, cereals etc, or indirectly as a source of animal food. In plants (and algae), photosynthesis takes place in organelles called chloroplasts, but most of the 2000-3000 proteins contained in the chloroplast are synthesized from DNA present in another organelle called the nucleus. When a new chloroplast is made (chloroplast biogenesis), the important role played by the nucleus means that the two organelles need to communicate. We know quite a lot about how the nucleus sends information to chloroplasts, but the mechanisms by which chloroplasts communicate with the nucleus have remained poorly understood. We previously developed a model to explain how the chloroplast communicates with the nucleus and the principal aim of this proposal was to robustly test this model to see if it is correct. To do this required the production of numerous transgenic and mutant Arabidopsis lines in which proposed components of this communication pathway are affected. These transgenic and mutant Arabidopsis lines were successfully produced and were used to test our model. Our data support a model in which two signals from the chloroplast to the nucleus operate during chloroplast biogenesis: a positive signal related to the production of the a heme molecule and an inhibitory signal generated by a reactive oxygen species called singlet oxygen. We have also identified mutant plants that are unable to respond to the singlet oxygen signal and identified one of the underlying genes. |
Exploitation Route | In addition to having an important role in building the photosynthetic apparatus required for energy harvesting, signals from chloroplasts to the nucleus have been implicated in all sorts of responses to changing environments such as to cold and drought. Our results may have important implications for understanding how plants interact with their changing environment, information that may be important in the future for producing better food and energy crops. In particular we have identified a potential interaction between different biogenic retrograde pathways and drought and heat stress responses. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Energy Environment |
Description | Advances Life Sciences Research Technology Initiative (ALERT 14) |
Amount | £448,654 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2014 |
End | 11/2015 |
Description | Research grant (responsive mode) |
Amount | £453,248 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/P019331/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2018 |
End | 12/2020 |
Description | SOS for plant stress: singlet oxygen signalling pathways mediating stress acclimation in plants |
Amount | £9,530 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IEC\R2\181029 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2019 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | SOS for plant stress: singlet oxygen signalling pathways mediating stress acclimation in plants Co-I with Dr H Okamoto |
Amount | £35,070 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Gerald Kerkut Charitable Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 09/2020 |
Description | Sainsbury PhD studentship |
Amount | £108,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Gatsby Charitable Foundation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 09/2017 |
Title | Overexpressor lines for Arabidopsis tetrapyrrole-related proteins |
Description | We have made a series of transgenic lines to manipulate levels of tetrapyrroles and the plastid signalling protein GUN1 in plant cells. 35S::RecA:GFP (for green fluorescent protein) 35S::CoxIV:GFP 35S::RecA:FC1:GFP 35S::CoxIV:FC1:GFP 35S::RecA:FC1:GFP and 35S::CoxIV:FC1:GFP 35S::RecA:HO1:GFP 35S::RecA:HO1:GFP in a hy1 (Col-0) background 35S::CoxIV:HO1:GFP 35S::(no transit peptide)HO1:GFP 35S::RecA:FC2:GFP 35S::CoxIV:FC2:GFP iBE::GUN1:GFP iBE::GFP iBE::GUN1 35S::GUN1 35S::GUN1:GFP in a gun1 background Once published these lines will be made available to the research community on request. |
Type Of Material | Cell line |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | No impact to date. |
Description | Dr Nobuyoshi Mochizuki - Role of PTM and ABI4 in retrograde signalling |
Organisation | University of Kyoto |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have performed experiments in parallel to Dr Mochizuki to re-evaluate the role of the PTM and ABI4 proteins in retrograde signalling. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Mochizuki has performed experiments in parallel with us to re-evaluate the role of the PTM and ABI4 proteins in retrograde signalling. |
Impact | Page MT, Kacprzak SM, Mochizuki N, Okamoto H, Smith AG, Terry MJ (2017) Seedlings lacking the PTM protein do not show a genomes uncoupled (gun) mutant phenotype. Plant Physiol. 174, 21-26. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Dr Ryouichi Tanaka - Understanding the nature of the laf6 mutation |
Organisation | Hokkaido University |
Department | Institute of Low Temperature Science |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We performed photobiology experiments with mutants and transgenic lines generated by our partner research group. |
Collaborator Contribution | They generated a series of mutant and transgenic lines with altered levels of SUFB and characterised these with respect to chlorophyll synthesis and chloroplast development. |
Impact | One paper published: Hu X, Page MT, Sumida A, Tanaka A, Terry MJ, Tanaka R (2017) The iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis protein SUFB is required for chlorophyll synthesis, but not phytochrome signaling. Plant J. in press, DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13455. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Identification of saf mutations (Terauchi, Japan) |
Organisation | Iwate Biotechnology Research Centre |
Department | Division of Genetics and Genomics |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | We have isolated mutants that are unable to properly communicate between the chloroplast and the nucleus and the collaboration is to identify the causal mutations of these mutants. The mutants have been backcrossed to wild-type plants and mutant and wild-type phenotypes selected in the F2 generation for genomic DNA isolation. We have now identified the nucleotide change responsible for one of the mutants and have narrowed down another to 2 genes. |
Collaborator Contribution | The collaborator will undertake full genome sequencing of the wild-type and mutant plants and using methods and software he has developed identify the causal mutations based on the pattern of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the sequenced mutant genomes. |
Impact | We have not yet completed the collaborative activity. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Professor Julian Hibberd - Retrograde signals in the evolution of C4 photosynthesis |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Department | Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We provided know-how for experimental design and interpretation of gene expression data for the expression of photosynthesis-related genes in a C4 species. |
Collaborator Contribution | This work is part of a long term project by the partner laboratory to understand the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. They provided expertise on C4 photosynthesis, high quality experimental data sets and intellectual input in their interpretation. |
Impact | To date we have one major publication: Burgess SJ, Granero-Moya I, Grangé-Guermente MJ, Boursnell C, Terry MJ, Hibberd JM (2016) Ancestral light and chloroplast regulation form the foundations for C4 gene expression. Nature Plants 2, 16161. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | SOS for plant stress: singlet oxygen signalling pathways mediating stress acclimation in plants |
Organisation | Direction de L'énergie Nucleaire |
Department | CEA Cadarache |
Country | France |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | We have discussed singlet oxygen signalling in plants and have applied successfully for funding from the Royal Society to collaborate on experimental work. |
Collaborator Contribution | We have discussed singlet oxygen signalling in plants and have applied successfully for funding from the Royal Society to collaborate on experimental work. |
Impact | We have successfully applied for funding from the Royal Society to undertake some collaborative visits for PIs and researchers. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Research project at Peter Symonds College |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Under the Authentic Biology programme we developed a research project that was offered to students at Peter Symonds College in Winchester as part of an extracurricular science club. Matthew Terry gave a short presentation on Arabidopsis photomorphogenesis and chloroplast development and Mike Page supervised a student research project. Students visited the University of Southampton and were given a tour of facilities. The research findings were presented at the Authentic Biology conference in London. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.authentic-biology.org/ |
Description | SRA Payam Mehrshahi and Dr Lorraine Archer presented via a video walk-through the Algal Innovation Centre for the EIT food workshop ALGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020 - TECHNIQUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Due to Covid-19 restrictions the EIT Food Professional Development course was redesigned so that 3x 2day courses were combined and presented online once over a two-day course. As the lead organisation, the University of Cambridge team (Payam Mehrshahi, Matthew Davey, Lorraine Archer) produced daily programme of lecture/seminars that brought together leading international experts to introduce the theory of techniques, SOPs best practice and live demonstration of equipment and facilities. The course offered insights and examples from an industrial and entrepreneurial perspective, that helped the participants to start or improve their own algal-based business. The video walk-through of the Algal Innovation Centre at the University of Cambridge was designed by Payam and Lorraine to reflect the wide range of research involving algae that is carried out in the university and in this facility. The 30 minute video was followed by a 45 minute Q&A session during which participants asked about technical aspects of equipment, consumables, algae strains, culturing conditions and trouble shooting advice. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.eitfood.eu/media/documents/ALGAL_BIOTECH_DRAFT_TRAINING_COURSE_2020_FINAL_v10.pdf |
Description | SRA Payam Mehrshahi presented at the EIT food workshop ALGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020 - TECHNIQUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | In 2020 due to the COVID restrictions, the EIT Food professional development course ALGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY - TECHNIQUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY was held as a hybrid course. This course was developed and led by colleagues at The University of Cambridge (UK), Matis (Iceland) and Fraunhofer (Germany). The course attendees were graduate, postgraduate and industry professionals who are interested in gaining exposure to the latest insight into technical, commercial and policy concepts that impact algal biotechnology. Payam's talk titled "Genetic Engineering Approaches For Algal Biotechnology" was followed by a Q&A session. The range of questions was testament to the diversity of interests and stage in career of those in attendance. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/algal-biotechnology-techniques-and-opportunities-for-the-sustainable... |
Description | School visit (Westgate School, Winchester) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students prepared posters that followed on from the discussion on food security and the contribution of current plant research. Increased interest by the students in the issues around food security and plant research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Science and Engineering Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | As part of the University of Southampton exhibits for Science and Engineering Day Matthew Terry (2014) and Mike Page (2015) presented a poster and examples of visually interesting Arabidopsis mutants to stimulate discussion on the relevance of model species to crop research. No documentable impact realised to date. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015 |