Cell Biophysics and Development

Research at the Plant Development group is concerned with developing integrated models of cellular growth and morphogenesis using the pollen tube as a biological model, ion dynamics as an experimental paradigm and theoretical modeling as an integrative tool. We have characterized novel ion channels involved in pollen tube growth and morphogenesis, by means of imaging, electrophysiology, genetics and molecular biology, and, furthermore, unravelled some of thegenetic and cellular mechanisms behind pollen tube guidance and fertilization in plants. Our group has provided novel insight into the transcriptional status of plant male gametes and its consequences for plant reproduction and improvement. The members of the group have been pivotal in the strengthening of the imaging, transcriptomics and vibrating probe electrophysiology services of the IGC. We have several collaboration with theoretical, animal developmental, evo-devo and other groups at the IGC, apart form external collaborations with research groups on Portugal and abroad.