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Decoding the Green World: A Deep Dive into the Life and Work of a Scientist Who Studies Plants
Author: Dr. Evelyn Reed, PhD in Plant Biology, Professor of Botany at the University of California, Berkeley, and leading researcher in plant genetics and climate change adaptation. Dr. Reed has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and holds several patents related to drought-resistant crop development.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP), a renowned academic publisher with a long history of publishing high-quality research in botany and related fields. Their rigorous peer-review process ensures the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.
Editor: Dr. Alistair Finch, PhD in Plant Physiology, has over 20 years of experience editing scientific publications focusing on plant biology. His expertise in plant biochemistry and molecular biology provides invaluable insight into the intricacies of plant science research.
Introduction:
A scientist who studies plants, more formally known as a botanist, plays a crucial role in understanding the complex world of flora. Their research encompasses diverse areas, from the molecular mechanisms within plant cells to the ecological interactions between plants and their environment. This report delves into the multifaceted world of plant science, highlighting the contributions of researchers and the impactful findings that shape our understanding of plant life. We will explore various specializations within botany, including plant physiology, ecology, genetics, and systematics, illustrating the crucial role a scientist who studies plants plays in addressing global challenges.
1. The Diverse Roles of a Scientist Who Studies Plants:
Botany is far from a monolithic field. A scientist who studies plants might specialize in various areas, each requiring a distinct skillset and methodology.
Plant Physiology: This branch focuses on the internal functions of plants. Researchers might investigate photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy – studying the intricate molecular machinery involved (e.g., the role of Rubisco in carbon fixation) and optimizing its efficiency for improved crop yields. Data from experiments involving controlled environments (growth chambers) and isotopic analyses are crucial in this area. For instance, research has shown that manipulating specific genes related to photosynthetic efficiency can lead to significant increases in crop biomass (Ort et al., 2015).
Plant Ecology: A scientist who studies plants in this field explores the relationships between plants and their environment. This includes studying plant communities, their distribution, and their interactions with other organisms. Long-term field studies, employing methods such as quadrat sampling and species richness analysis, are essential for understanding plant community dynamics and responses to environmental changes (e.g., climate change impacts on forest composition). Research has revealed that biodiversity loss significantly reduces ecosystem resilience (Tilman, 1999).
Plant Genetics: This area focuses on the genetic basis of plant traits. Scientists use molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing and gene editing (CRISPR-Cas9) to understand how genes control plant development, adaptation, and disease resistance. For example, research using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has identified genes associated with drought tolerance in various crop species, providing targets for genetic improvement (Huang et al., 2012).
Plant Systematics and Taxonomy: A scientist who studies plants in this specialization focuses on classifying and naming plants based on their evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic analyses using DNA sequence data are vital in building evolutionary trees and understanding the diversification of plant life. Recent advancements in genomic sequencing have revolutionized plant systematics, revealing previously unknown relationships between plant species (Soltis et al., 2011).
Plant Pathology: A scientist who studies plants affected by diseases investigates the causes, mechanisms, and control of plant diseases. This crucial area involves identifying pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses), understanding their virulence mechanisms, and developing effective disease management strategies. Research on plant-pathogen interactions has advanced our understanding of plant immune systems, leading to the development of disease-resistant crop varieties (Jones and Dangl, 2006).
2. The Impact of Research by a Scientist Who Studies Plants:
The work of a scientist who studies plants has far-reaching consequences, influencing various aspects of human society.
Food Security: Research on crop improvement, through breeding and genetic engineering, aims to enhance yield, nutritional value, and resistance to pests and diseases. This is crucial for ensuring global food security in the face of a growing population and climate change.
Biotechnology and Medicine: Plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential medicinal applications. Research on plant secondary metabolites has led to the discovery of new drugs and therapies. Furthermore, plant-based biofuels offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Environmental Conservation: Understanding plant ecology and biodiversity is crucial for effective conservation strategies. Research by a scientist who studies plants helps inform policies aimed at protecting endangered plant species and preserving ecosystems. For example, studies on habitat fragmentation and its impact on plant populations guide conservation efforts (Fahrig, 2003).
Climate Change Mitigation: Plants play a vital role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation. Research on plant responses to climate change, including drought tolerance and resilience to extreme weather events, is critical for developing strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
3. Case Study: Developing Drought-Resistant Crops
A prime example of the practical applications of research by a scientist who studies plants is the development of drought-resistant crops. Using advanced genetic engineering techniques, researchers are identifying genes associated with drought tolerance in wild plant relatives and transferring these genes into commercially important crop species. Field trials have shown that genetically modified drought-resistant varieties exhibit significantly improved yields under water-stressed conditions (e.g., increased grain yield by 20% in drought-prone areas, as demonstrated in several studies). This research directly contributes to food security in regions susceptible to drought.
4. Conclusion:
The work of a scientist who studies plants is essential for addressing global challenges related to food security, environmental conservation, and climate change. From unraveling the intricate molecular mechanisms within plant cells to understanding the ecological dynamics of plant communities, botanists are at the forefront of scientific innovation. Their research has and will continue to shape our understanding of the plant kingdom and provide solutions to critical issues facing humanity. By fostering collaborative research and promoting interdisciplinary approaches, we can further unlock the potential of plant science to address these challenges effectively.
FAQs:
1. What is the difference between a botanist and a horticulturalist? A botanist focuses on the scientific study of plants, while a horticulturalist applies that knowledge to the cultivation and management of plants.
2. What educational path is needed to become a scientist who studies plants? A minimum of a bachelor's degree in botany, plant biology, or a related field is required, with advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) needed for research positions.
3. What are some common research methods used by a scientist who studies plants? These include fieldwork (e.g., plant surveys, experimental plots), laboratory experiments (e.g., tissue culture, molecular biology techniques), and computational analyses (e.g., bioinformatics, phylogenetic analyses).
4. What are the career prospects for a scientist who studies plants? Career opportunities are diverse, ranging from academic research positions in universities and research institutions to roles in government agencies, biotechnology companies, and conservation organizations.
5. How is climate change affecting the research conducted by a scientist who studies plants? Climate change is creating new research areas focused on plant adaptation, resilience, and the impacts of altered environmental conditions on plant communities and ecosystems.
6. What are some ethical considerations in plant research? Ethical issues include the potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the conservation of plant biodiversity, and the responsible use of plant resources.
7. How can I get involved in plant science research? Volunteering or seeking internships in research labs, joining botanical societies, and pursuing advanced education are all effective ways to engage with the field.
8. What are the major funding sources for plant science research? Funding comes from government agencies (e.g., National Science Foundation, Department of Agriculture), private foundations, and industry partners.
9. How is technology advancing the field of plant science? Advancements in genomics, imaging techniques, and computational biology are revolutionizing plant research, allowing for more comprehensive and detailed studies.
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2. Genetic Engineering for Enhanced Crop Production: Discusses the applications of biotechnology in improving crop yields and nutritional value.
3. The Impact of Deforestation on Plant Biodiversity: Investigates the effects of habitat loss on plant species richness and ecosystem function.
4. Plant-Microbe Interactions and Their Role in Plant Health: Examines the symbiotic relationships between plants and beneficial microbes.
5. Ethnobotany: The Traditional Knowledge of Plants: Explores the cultural significance and traditional uses of plants by indigenous communities.
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a scientist who studies plants: The Secret Life of Plants Peter Tompkins, Christopher Bird, 2018-06-12 Once in a while you find a book that stuns you. Its scope leaves you breathless. This is such a book. — John White, San Francisco Chronicle Explore the inner world of plants and its fascinating relation to mankind, as uncovered by the latest discoveries of science. In this truly revolutionary and beloved work, drawn from remarkable research, Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird cast light on the rich psychic universe of plants. The Secret Life of Plants explores plants' response to human care and nurturing, their ability to communicate with man, plants' surprising reaction to music, their lie-detection abilities, their creative powers, and much more. Tompkins and Bird's classic book affirms the depth of humanity's relationship with nature and adds special urgency to the cause of protecting the environment that nourishes us. |
a scientist who studies plants: In Defense of Plants Matt Candeias, 2021-03-16 The Study of Plants in a Whole New Light “Matt Candeias succeeds in evoking the wonder of plants with wit and wisdom.” ―James T. Costa, PhD, executive director, Highlands Biological Station and author of Darwin's Backyard #1 New Release in Nature & Ecology, Plants, Botany, Horticulture, Trees, Biological Sciences, and Nature Writing & Essays In his debut book, internationally-recognized blogger and podcaster Matt Candeias celebrates the nature of plants and the extraordinary world of plant organisms. A botanist’s defense. Since his early days of plant restoration, this amateur plant scientist has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection. Using gardening, houseplants, and examples of plants around you, In Defense of Plants changes your relationship with the world from the comfort of your windowsill. The ruthless, horny, and wonderful nature of plants. Understand how plants evolve and live on Earth with a never-before-seen look into their daily drama. Inside, Candeias explores the incredible ways plants live, fight, have sex, and conquer new territory. Whether a blossoming botanist or a professional plant scientist, In Defense of Plants is for anyone who sees plants as more than just static backdrops to more charismatic life forms. In this easily accessible introduction to the incredible world of plants, you’ll find: • Fantastic botanical histories and plant symbolism • Passionate stories of flora diversity and scientific names of plant organisms • Personal tales of plantsman discovery through the study of plants If you enjoyed books like The Botany of Desire, What a Plant Knows, or The Soul of an Octopus, then you’ll love In Defense of Plants. |
a scientist who studies plants: Plants as Persons Matthew Hall, 2011-05-06 Plants are people too? No, but in this work of philosophical botany Matthew Hall challenges readers to reconsider the moral standing of plants, arguing that they are other-than-human persons. Plants constitute the bulk of our visible biomass, underpin all natural ecosystems, and make life on Earth possible. Yet plants are considered passive and insensitive beings rightly placed outside moral consideration. As the human assault on nature continues, more ethical behavior toward plants is needed. Hall surveys Western, Eastern, Pagan, and Indigenous thought as well as modern science for attitudes toward plants, noting the particular resources for plant personhood and those modes of thought which most exclude plants. The most hierarchical systems typically put plants at the bottom, but Hall finds much to support a more positive view of plants. Indeed, some indigenous animisms actually recognize plants as relational, intelligent beings who are the appropriate recipeints of care and respect. New scientific findings encourage this perspective, revealing that plants possess many of the capacities of sentience and mentality traditionally denied them. |
a scientist who studies plants: Thus Spoke the Plant Monica Gagliano, 2020 Draws on up-close-and-personal encounters with the plants themselves, as well as plant shamans, indigenous elders, and mystics from around the world and integrates these experiences with an incredible research journey and the groundbreaking scientific discoveries that emerged from it. Gagliano has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers on how plants have a Pavlov-like response to stimuli and can learn, remember, and communicate to neighboring plants. She has pioneered the brand-new research field of plant bioacoustics, for the first time experimentally demonstrating that plants emit their own 'voices' and, moreover, detect and respond to the sounds of their environments. By demonstrating experimentally that learning is not the exclusive province of animals, Gagliano has re-ignited the discourse on plant subjectivity and ethical and legal standing. |
a scientist who studies plants: The Plant Hunter Cassandra Leah Quave, 2021-10-19 A leading medical ethnobotanist tells us the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants in this uplifting and adventure-filled memoir. Plants are the basis for an array of lifesaving and health-improving medicines we all now take for granted. Ever taken an aspirin? Thank a willow tree for that. What about life-saving medicines for malaria? Some of those are derived from cinchona and wormwood. In today's world of synthetic pharmaceuticals, scientists and laypeople alike have lost this connection to the natural world. But by ignoring the potential of medicinal plants, we are losing out on the opportunity to discover new life-saving medicines needed in the fight against the greatest medical challenge of this century: the rise of the post-antibiotic era. Antibiotic-resistant microbes plague us all. Each year, 700,000 people die due to these untreatable infections; by 2050, 10 million annual deaths are expected unless we act now. No one understands this better than Dr. Cassandra Quave, whose groundbreaking research as a leading medical ethnobotanist--someone who identifies and studies plants that may be able to treat antimicrobial resistance and other threatening illnesses--is helping to provide clues for the next generation of advanced medicines. In The Plant Hunter, Dr. Quave weaves together science, botany, and memoir to tell us the extraordinary story of her own journey. Traveling by canoe, ATV, mule, airboat, and on foot, she has conducted field research in the flooded forests of the remote Amazon, the murky swamps of southern Florida, the rolling hills of central Italy, isolated mountaintops in Albania and Kosovo, and volcanic isles arising out of the Mediterranean—all in search of natural compounds, long-known to traditional healers, that could help save us all from the looming crisis of untreatable superbugs. And as a person born with multiple congenital defects of her skeletal system, she's done it all with just one leg. Filled with grit, tragedy, triumph, awe, and scientific discovery, her story illuminates how the path forward for medical discovery may be found in nature's oldest remedies. |
a scientist who studies plants: The Nation of Plants Stefano Mancuso, 2023-04-18 In this playful yet informative manifesto, a leading plant neurobiologist presents the eight fundamental pillars on which the life of plants—and by extension, humans—rests. Even if they behave as though they were, humans are not the masters of the Earth, but only one of its most irksome residents. From the moment of their arrival, about three hundred thousand years ago—nothing when compared to the history of life on our planet—humans have succeeded in changing the conditions of the planet so drastically as to make it a dangerous place for their own survival. The causes of this reckless behavior are in part inherent in their predatory nature, but they also depend on our total incomprehension of the rules that govern a community of living beings. We behave like children who wreak havoc, unaware of the significance of the things they are playing with. In The Nation of Plants, the most important, widespread, and powerful nation on Earth finally gets to speak. Like attentive parents, plants, after making it possible for us to live, have come to our aid once again, giving us their rules: the first Universal Declaration of Rights of Living Beings written by the plants. A short charter based on the general principles that regulate the common life of plants, it establishes norms applicable to all living beings. Compared to our constitutions, which place humans at the center of the entire juridical reality, in conformity with an anthropocentricism that reduces to things all that is not human, plants offer us a revolution. |
a scientist who studies plants: Scientists at Work Susan Ring, 2005 Presents an introduction to scientists, in simple text with illustrations, describing the work they do in the wild, under the sea, about the past, and in outer space. |
a scientist who studies plants: Lab Girl Hope Jahren, 2016-04-05 Lab Girl is a book about work and about love, and the mountains that can be moved when those two things come together. It is told through Jahren's remarkable stories: about the discoveries she has made in her lab, as well as her struggle to get there; about her childhood playing in her father's laboratory; about how lab work became a sanctuary for both her heart and her hands; about Bill, the brilliant, wounded man who became her loyal colleague and best friend; about their field trips - sometimes authorised, sometimes very much not - that took them from the Midwest across the USA, to Norway and to Ireland, from the pale skies of North Pole to tropical Hawaii; and about her constant striving to do and be her best, and her unswerving dedication to her life's work. Visceral, intimate, gloriously candid and sometimes extremely funny, Jahren's descriptions of her work, her intense relationship with the plants, seeds and soil she studies, and her insights on nature enliven every page of this thrilling book. In Lab Girl, we see anew the complicated power of the natural world, and the power that can come from facing with bravery and conviction the challenge of discovering who you are. |
a scientist who studies plants: The Revolutionary Genius of Plants Stefano Mancuso, 2018-08-28 In this thought-provoking, handsomely illustrated book, Italian neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso considers the fundamental differences between plants and animals and challenges our assumptions about which is the ‘higher’ form of life.” —The Wall Street Journal “Fascinating…full of optimism…this quick, accessible read will appeal to anyone with interest in how plants continue to surprise us.” —Library Journal Do plants have intelligence? Do they have memory? Are they better problem solvers than people? The Revolutionary Genius of Plants—a fascinating, paradigm-shifting work that upends everything you thought you knew about plants—makes a compelling scientific case that these and other astonishing ideas are all true. Plants make up eighty percent of the weight of all living things on earth, and yet it is easy to forget that these innocuous, beautiful organisms are responsible for not only the air that lets us survive, but for many of our modern comforts: our medicine, food supply, even our fossil fuels. On the forefront of uncovering the essential truths about plants, world-renowned scientist Stefano Mancuso reveals the surprisingly sophisticated ability of plants to innovate, to remember, and to learn, offering us creative solutions to the most vexing technological and ecological problems that face us today. Despite not having brains or central nervous systems, plants perceive their surroundings with an even greater sensitivity than animals. They efficiently explore and react promptly to potentially damaging external events thanks to their cooperative, shared systems; without any central command centers, they are able to remember prior catastrophic events and to actively adapt to new ones. Every page of The Revolutionary Genius of Plants bubbles over with Stefano Mancuso’s infectious love for plants and for the eye-opening research that makes it more and more clear how remarkable our fellow inhabitants on this planet really are. In his hands, complicated science is wonderfully accessible, and he has loaded the book with gorgeous photographs that make for an unforgettable reading experience. The Revolutionary Genius of Plants opens the doors to a new understanding of life on earth. |
a scientist who studies plants: Experiments with Plants Christine Taylor-Butler, 2012-08 This book provides several brief experiments to performed using plants. |
a scientist who studies plants: A Career Day with a Scientist Katie Smythe, 2015-07-15 Readers will build their science vocabulary and learn about the basic processes, safety procedures, and tools used by various scientists. An open-ended question for discussion is included at the end of the narrative. |
a scientist who studies plants: Functional Biology of Plants Martin J. Hodson, John A. Bryant, 2012-04-26 Functional Biology of Plants provides students and researchers with a clearly written, well structured whole plant physiology text. Early in the text, it provides essential information on molecular and cellular processes so that the reader can understand how they are integrated into the development and function of the plant at whole-plant level. Thus, this beautifully illustrated book, presents a modern, applied integration of whole plant and molecular approaches to the study of plants. It is divided into four parts: Part 1: Genes and Cells, looks at the origins of plants, cell structure, biochemical processes and genes and development. Part 2: The Functioning Plant, describes the structure and function of roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seed and fruit development. Part 3: Interactions and Adaptations, examines environmental and biotic stresses and how plants adapt and acclimatise to these conditions. Part 4: Future Directions, illustrates the great importance of plant research by looking at some well chosen, topical examples such as GM crops, biomass and bio-fuels, loss of plant biodiversity and the question of how to feed the planet. Throughout the book there are text boxes to illustrate particular aspects of how humans make use of plants, and a comprehensive glossary proves invaluable to those coming to the subject from other areas of life science. |
a scientist who studies plants: What a Plant Knows Daniel Chamovitz, 2012-05-01 A captivating journey into the inner lives of plants – from the colours they see to the schedules they keep How does a Venus flytrap know when to snap shut? Can an orchid get jet lag? Does a tomato plant feel pain when you pluck a fruit from its vines? And does your favourite fern care whether you play Bach or the Beatles? Combining cutting-edge research with lively storytelling, biologist Daniel Chamovitz explores how plants experience our shared Earth – through sight, smell, touch, hearing, memory, and even awareness. Whether you are a green thumb, a science buff, a vegetarian, or simply a nature lover, this rare inside look at the life of plants will surprise and delight. |
a scientist who studies plants: ASVAB For Dummies Rod Powers, Jennifer Lawler, 2007-05-22 Packed with practice questions and proven study tips Get fully briefed on the changes to the ASVAB and sharpen your test-taking skills Want to ace the ASVAB? This essential guide provides a comprehensive review of all test subjects and covers the latest updates, including the new short-length ASVAB and a new sample of the Armed Forces Qualifying Test. You'll discover the pros and cons of the paper and computer exams, which tests are important to your military career, and cutting-edge study techniques. * Understand the test's formats * Prepare to take the ASVAB * Improve your study techniques * Memorize key concepts * Conquer the subtests * Compute your scores * Match scores to military jobs * Maximize your career choices |
a scientist who studies plants: Journal of Proceeding and Addresses National Education Association of the United States, 1887 Vols. for 1866-70 include Proceedings of the American Normal School Association; 1866-69 include Proceedings of the National Association of School Superintendents; 1870 includes Addresses and journal of proceedings of the Central College Association. |
a scientist who studies plants: The Journal of Proceedings and Addresses of the National Educational Association National Educational Association (U.S.), 1887 |
a scientist who studies plants: Brilliant Green Stefano Mancuso, Alessandra Viola, 2015-03-12 In this book, a leading plant scientist offers a new understanding of the botanical world and a passionate argument for intelligent plant life. Are plants intelligent? Can they solve problems, communicate, and navigate their surroundings? For centuries, philosophers and scientists have argued that plants are unthinking and inert, yet discoveries over the past fifty years have challenged this idea, shedding new light on the complex interior lives of plants. In Brilliant Green, leading scientist Stefano Mancuso presents a new paradigm in our understanding of the vegetal world. He argues that plants process information, sleep, remember, and signal to one another-showing that, far from passive machines, plants are intelligent and aware. Part botany lesson, part manifesto, Brilliant Green is an engaging and passionate examination of the inner workings of the plant kingdom.-- |
a scientist who studies plants: Plant Behaviour and Intelligence A. J. Trewavas, 2014 This book provides a convincing argument for the view that whole cells and whole plants growing in competitive wild conditions show aspects of plant behaviour that can be accurately described as 'intelligent'. Trewavas argues that behaviour, like intelligence, must be assessed within the constraints of the anatomical and physiological framework of the organism in question. The fact that plants do not have centralized nervous systems for example, does not exclude intelligent behaviour. Outside the human dimension, culture is thought largely absent and fitness is the biological property of value. Thus, solving environmental problems that threaten to reduce fitness is another way of viewing intelligent behaviour and has a similar meaning to adaptively variable behaviour. The capacity to solve these problems might be considered to vary in different organisms, but variation does not mean absence. By extending these ideas into a book that allows a critical and amplified discussion, the author hopes to raise an awareness of the concept of purposive behaviour in plants. |
a scientist who studies plants: Reproducibility and Replicability in Science National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Policy and Global Affairs, Committee on Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Public Policy, Board on Research Data and Information, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Committee on Applied and Theoretical Statistics, Board on Mathematical Sciences and Analytics, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on National Statistics, Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences, Committee on Reproducibility and Replicability in Science, 2019-10-20 One of the pathways by which the scientific community confirms the validity of a new scientific discovery is by repeating the research that produced it. When a scientific effort fails to independently confirm the computations or results of a previous study, some fear that it may be a symptom of a lack of rigor in science, while others argue that such an observed inconsistency can be an important precursor to new discovery. Concerns about reproducibility and replicability have been expressed in both scientific and popular media. As these concerns came to light, Congress requested that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conduct a study to assess the extent of issues related to reproducibility and replicability and to offer recommendations for improving rigor and transparency in scientific research. Reproducibility and Replicability in Science defines reproducibility and replicability and examines the factors that may lead to non-reproducibility and non-replicability in research. Unlike the typical expectation of reproducibility between two computations, expectations about replicability are more nuanced, and in some cases a lack of replicability can aid the process of scientific discovery. This report provides recommendations to researchers, academic institutions, journals, and funders on steps they can take to improve reproducibility and replicability in science. |
a scientist who studies plants: The Journal of Proceedings and Addresses of the National Educational Association Anonymous, 2024-04-10 Reprint of the original, first published in 1887. |
a scientist who studies plants: History's Greatest Women Hannah Westlake, 2019 |
a scientist who studies plants: Systematics and Evolution David McLaughlin, Joseph W. Spatafora, 2000-09-22 Mycology, the study of fungi, originated as a subdiscipline of botany and was a des criptive discipline, largely neglected as an experimental science until the early years of this century. A seminal paper by Blakeslee in 1904 provided evidence for self incompatibility, termed heterothallism, and stimulated interest in studies related to the control of sexual reproduction in fungi by mating-type specificities. Soon to follow was the demonstration that sexually reproducing fungi exhibit Mendelian inheritance and that it was possible to conduct formal genetic analysis with fungi. The names Burgetf, Kniep and Lindegren are all associated with this early period of fungal genet ics research. These studies and the discovery of penicillin by Fleming, who shared a Nobel Prize in 1945, provided further impetus for experimental research with fungi. Thus began a period of interest in mutation induction and analysis of mutants for biochemical traits. Such fundamental research, conducted largely with Neurospora crassa, led to the one gene: one enzyme hypothesis and to a second Nobel Prize for fungal research awarded to Beadle and Tatum in 1958. Fundamental research in biochemical genetics was extended to other fungi, especially to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and by the mid-1960s fungal systems were much favored for studies in eukaryotic molecular biology and were soon able to compete with bacterial systems in the molecular arena. |
a scientist who studies plants: Darwin's Most Wonderful Plants Ken Thompson, 2019-10-07 For many people, the story of Charles Darwin goes like this: he ventured to the Galapagos Islands on the Beagle, was inspired by the biodiversity of the birds he saw there, and immediately returned home to write his theory of evolution. But this simplified narrative is inaccurate and lacking: it leaves out a major part of Darwin’s legacy. He published On the Origin of Species nearly thirty years after his voyages. And much of his life was spent experimenting with and observing plants. Darwin was a brilliant and revolutionary botanist whose observations and theories were far ahead of his time. With Darwin’s Most Wonderful Plants, biologist and gardening expert Ken Thompson restores this important aspect of Darwin’s biography while also delighting in the botanical world that captivated the famous scientist. Thompson traces how well Darwin’s discoveries have held up, revealing that many are remarkably long-lasting. Some findings are only now being confirmed and extended by high-tech modern research, while some have been corrected through recent analysis. We learn from Thompson how Darwin used plants to shape his most famous theory and then later how he used that theory to further push the boundaries of botanical knowledge. We also get to look over Darwin’s shoulder as he labors, learning more about his approach to research and his astonishing capacity for hard work. Darwin’s genius was to see the wonder and the significance in the ordinary and mundane, in the things that most people wouldn’t look at twice. Both Thompson and Darwin share a love for our most wonderful plants and the remarkable secrets they can unlock. This book will instill that same joy in casual gardeners and botany aficionados alike. |
a scientist who studies plants: Plant Anatomy Richard Crang, Sheila Lyons-Sobaski, Robert Wise, 2018-11-30 Intended as a text for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students and as a potential reference, this broad-scoped resource is extensive in its educational appeal by providing a new concept-based organization with end-of-chapter literature references, self-quizzes, and illustration interpretation. The concept-based, pedagogical approach, in contrast to the classic discipline-based approach, was specifically chosen to make the teaching and learning of plant anatomy more accessible for students. In addition, for instructors whose backgrounds may not primarily be plant anatomy, the features noted above are designed to provide sufficient reference material for organization and class presentation. This text is unique in the extensive use of over 1150 high-resolution color micrographs, color diagrams and scanning electron micrographs. Another feature is frequent side-boxes that highlight the relationship of plant anatomy to specialized investigations in plant molecular biology, classical investigations, functional activities, and research in forestry, environmental studies and genetics, as well as other fields. Each of the 19 richly-illustrated chapters has an abstract, a list of keywords, an introduction, a text body consisting of 10 to 20 concept-based sections, and a list of references and additional readings. At the end of each chapter, the instructor and student will find a section-by-section concept review, concept connections, concept assessment (10 multiple-choice questions), and concept applications. Answers to the assessment material are found in an appendix. An index and a glossary with over 700 defined terms complete the volume. |
a scientist who studies plants: Mosaic , 1976 |
a scientist who studies plants: Biology for Engineers Arthur T. Johnson, 2016-04-19 Biology is a critical application area for engineering analysis and design, and students in engineering programs must be well-versed in the fundamentals of biology as they relate to their field. Biology for Engineers is an introductory text that minimizes unnecessary memorization of connections and classifications and instead emphasizes concepts, technology, and the utilization of living things. Whether students are headed toward a bio-related engineering degree or one of the more traditional majors, biology is so important that all engineering students should know how living things work and act. Classroom-tested at the University of Maryland, this comprehensive text introduces concepts and terminology needed to understand more advanced biology literature. Filled with practical detailed examples, the book presents: Scientific principles relevant to biology that all engineers must know A discussion of biological responses from the perspective of a broad range of fields such as psychology, human factors, genetics, plant and animal physiology, imaging, control systems, actuary, and medicine A thorough examination of the scaling of biological responses and attributes A classification of different types of applications related to biological systems Tables of useful information that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere A series of questions at the end of each chapter to test comprehension Emphasizing the ever-present interactions between a biological unit and its physical, chemical, and biological environments, the book provides ample instruction on the basics of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering. It brings together all of the concepts one needs to understand the role of biology in modern technology. |
a scientist who studies plants: Proceedings, Abstracts of Lectures and a Brief Report of the Discussions of the National Teachers' Association, the National Association of School Superintendents and the American Normal School Association National Education Association of the United States, 1887 |
a scientist who studies plants: The Third Wave of Science Studies Harry M. Collins, R. Evans, 2002 |
a scientist who studies plants: Plant Partners Jessica Walliser, 2020-12-22 Companion planting has a long history of use by gardeners, but the explanation of why it works has been filled with folklore and conjecture. Plant Partners delivers a research-based rationale for this ever-popular growing technique, offering dozens of ways you can use scientifically tested plant partnerships to benefit your whole garden. Through an enhanced understanding of how plants interact with and influence each other, this guide suggests specific plant combinations that improve soil health and weed control, decrease pest damage, and increase biodiversity, resulting in real and measurable impacts in the garden. This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA. |
a scientist who studies plants: Gathering Moss Robin Wall Kimmerer, 2021-07-01 'Kimmerer blends, with deep attentiveness and musicality, science and personal insights to tell the overlooked story of the planet's oldest plants' Guardian 'Bewitching ... a masterwork ... a glittering read in its entirety' Maria Popova, Brainpickings Living at the limits of our ordinary perception, mosses are a common but largely unnoticed element of the natural world. Gathering Moss is a beautifully written mix of science and personal reflection that invites readers to explore and learn from the elegantly simple lives of mosses. In these interwoven essays, Robin Wall Kimmerer leads general readers and scientists alike to an understanding of how mosses live and how their lives are intertwined with the lives of countless other beings. Kimmerer explains the biology of mosses clearly and artfully, while at the same time reflecting on what these fascinating organisms have to teach us. Drawing on her experiences as a scientist, a mother, and a Native American, Kimmerer explains the stories of mosses in scientific terms as well as within the framework of indigenous ways of knowing. In her book, the natural history and cultural relationships of mosses become a powerful metaphor for ways of living in the world. |
a scientist who studies plants: Floriculture John M. Dole, Harold F. Wilkins, 2005 For sophomore- to senior-level courses in Floriculture Crop Production and Greenhouse Management/Operations. Written in a consistent format to allow easy study and reference, this comprehensive guide to floriculture production covers more crop species than any other similar text, presents content uniformly from chapter to chapter, and incorporates current and historic information from both the United States and international floriculture. |
a scientist who studies plants: The Ecologists Thomas Söderqvist, 1986 |
a scientist who studies plants: Christianity as Mystical Fact Rudolf Steiner, 1997-05 Written 1902 (CW 8) As simultaneously mysticism and fact, Christianity is a breakthrough in the historical development of humanity, for which the mysteries, with the results that they brought about, form a prior evolutionary stage. --Rudolf Steiner During the fall and winter of 1901-02, Steiner gave a series of lectures called Christianity as Mystical Fact to members of the Theosophical Society. The lectures were rewritten and issued as a book later that year. They mark a watershed in the development of Western esotericism. Steiner wrote of the idea behind his book: The title Christianity as Mystical Fact was one I gave to this work eight years ago, when I gathered together the content of lectures given in 1902. It was meant to indicate the special approach adopted in the book. Its theme is not just the mystical side of Christianity in a historical presentation. It was meant to show, from the standpoint of a mystical awareness, how Christianity came into being. Behind this was the idea that spiritual happenings were factors in the emergence of Christianity, which could only be observed from such a point of view. It is for the book itself to demonstrate that, by 'mystical,' I do not in any way imply a vague intuition rather than strict scientific argument. In many circles, mysticism is understood as just that, and therefore it is distinguished from the concerns of all 'genuine' science. In this book, however, I use the term to mean a 'presentation of spiritual reality' --a reality accessible only to a knowledge drawn from the sources of spiritual life itself. Anyone who denies the possibility of such knowledge in principle will find its contents hard to comprehend; any reader who accepts the idea that mysticism may coexist with the clarity of the natural sciences, may acknowledge that the mystical aspect of Christianity must be described mystically. This is a significant book --for Steiner's own development, that of Western esotericism, and our own understanding of the Christ event. Readers will find the evolutionary development from the ancient Mysteries through the great Greek philosophers to the events portrayed in the Gospels. Included are an informative introduction and annotated notes by Andrew Welburn and an afterword by Michael Debus, a priest of The Christian Community, who summarizes the book and places it in context. This book is a translation from German of Das Christentum als mystische Tatsache und die Mysterien des Altertum (GA 8). Cover image: Photo of Bordeaux Cathedral by James Nicholls. |
a scientist who studies plants: Plant Sensing and Communication Richard Karban, 2015-06-30 Research is showing that plants are in constant and lively discourse--they communicate, signaling to remote organs within an individual, eavesdropping on neighboring individuals, and exchanging information with other organisms ranging from other plants to microbes to animals. Plants lack central nervous systems, and the mechanisms coordinating plant sensing, behavior, and communication are quite different from the systems that accomplish similar tasks in animals. But they are no less impressive from an evolutionary perspective. In Plant Communication, Karban puts an ear to the ground to reveal the world of plant communication and information sensing. He reveals their sensory capabilities, the learning capacity of plants, sensory signaling and communication, the different responses to pollinators and predators, and the mechanisms that undergird this impressive behavioral repertoire. The book shows that plants are hardly the inanimate organisms limited by their stationary existence. |
a scientist who studies plants: The Wholeness of Nature Henri Bortoft, 1996-10 In the course of every human life, moments come -- often so quietly as to be almost unrecognized -- that are so subtle and unobtrusive, they pass without one being fully aware of them. These moments are like the gentle tones of birds singing in their sleep, the faint sound of a bell ringing far away, or the gentle touch of an invisible hand. Nevertheless, all these moments, perceived or unperceived, are manifestations of destiny in each human life, 'the evidence of things not seen.' They express the secret language of the heart and invite one to begin a journey. They involve taking important steps on a life path, which one senses instinctively will ultimately lead to the light of one's own higher self and into the world of spiritual reality, the 'land' where the real foundations of life purposes are to be found. Thus, one sets out on a path that can lead to the unfolding of the unique mystery of each individual life story. Such is the substance of the journey described in these pages. --Paul Marshall Allen Paul Allen was born into a Quaker family on June 26, 1913, in the small upstate New York village of Conquest. The life that followed was as varied outwardly as it was deeply committed inwardly to following a path of knowledge. He was a teacher, actor, writer, and publisher, each role connecting him with the world as a Rosicrucian soul. For Paul, the most important event of destiny occurred when he encountered Rudolf Steiner's spiritual science through the actor Michael Chekhov, leading Paul to dedicate his life to Anthroposophy as a path of inner knowledge and activity in the world. In A Rosicrucian Soul, Russell Pooler takes the reader on a journey through the life of a man who profoundly affected everyone he encountered. During the early days of Anthroposophy in North America, Paul delved deeply into Rudolf Steiner's works and became the first American-born anthroposophic lecturer, traveling across the continent and bringing the few, far-flung Anthroposophic Society members in North America a greater sense of unity and purpose. In New York City, with Bernie Garber, he began publishing the works of Rudolf Steiner and, with Carlo Pietzner, compiled A Christian Rosenkreutz Anthology. Paul Allen eventually started his own publishing company, St. George Book Service, a mail-order book business in western Massachusetts. Later, destiny took Paul and his wife, architect Joan deRis Allen, to Camphill villages in the British Isles and Norway, where they lived, as Paul produced numerous plays, the most significant of which were Rudolf Steiner's Four Mystery Dramas. Throughout this life story, as outer events unfold, the reader is guided to a sense of the inner activities of this very Rosicrucian soul and, perhaps more important, to glimpses of how each of us affects each other through our inner struggles and consequent actions. |
a scientist who studies plants: History of Palaeobotany A. J. Bowden, Cynthia V. Burek, R. Wilding, 2005 Often regarded as the 'Cinderella' of palaeontological studies, palaeobotany has a history that contains some fascinating insights into scientific endeavour, especially by palaeontologists who were perusing a personal interest rather than a career. The problems of maintaining research facilities in universities, especially in the modern era, are described and reveal a noticeable absence of a national UK strategy to preserve centres of excellence in an avowedly specialist area. Accounts of some of the pioneers demonstrate the importance of collaboration between taxonomists and illustrators. The importance of palaeobotany in the rise of geoconservation is outlined, as well as the significant and influential role of women in the discipline. Although this volume has a predominantly UK focus, two very interesting studies outline the history of palaeobotanical work in Argentina and China. |
a scientist who studies plants: Pleased to Meet Me Bill Sullivan, 2019-09-05 Why are you attracted to a certain type? Why are you a morning person? Why do you vote the way you do? From a witty new voice in popular science comes a life-changing look at what makes you you. I can't believe I just said that. What possessed me to do that? What's wrong with me? We're constantly seeking answers to these fundamental human questions, and now, science has the answers. Clever, relatable, and revealing, this eye-opening narrative from Indiana University School of Medicine professor Bill Sullivan explores why we do the things we do through the lens of genetics, microbiology, psychology, neurology, and family history. From what we love (and hate) to eat and who we vote for in political elections to when we lose our virginity and why some people find drugs so addicting, this illuminating book uses the latest scientific research to unveil the secrets of what makes us tick. Filled with fascinating insights--including how experiences that haunted our grandparents echo in our DNA, why the bacteria in our guts mess with our minds, and whether there really is a murder gene--this revolutionary book explains the hidden forces shaping who we are, pointing us on a path to how we might become our best selves. |
a scientist who studies plants: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting - National Education Association of the United States National Education Association of the United States, 1887 |
a scientist who studies plants: Feminist Science Studies Maralee Mayberry, Banu Subramaniam, Lisa Weasel, 2020-03-24 This essential text contains contributions from a wide range of fields and provides role models for feminist scientists. Including chapters from scientists and feminist scholars, the book presents a wide range of feminist science studies scholarship-from autobiographical narratives and experimental and theoretical projects, to teaching tools and courses and community-based projects. |
a scientist who studies plants: The Proof is in the Plants Simon Hill, 2021-05-04 What if there was a way of eating that may help us live healthier for longer and protect the future of our planet, too? The good news is that evidence now shows a plant-based diet may offer us exactly that – and straight-talking nutritionist Simon Hill has done the hard work translating the science into actionable advice for everyday life. Before transitioning to a plant-based diet Simon held many of the common misconceptions. But instead he experienced incredible improvements in his energy levels, digestion, mental clarity and post-workout recovery after making the shift. He’d finally understood the power of food and was determined to find out – and share – the agenda-free truth about the optimum diet for human health. By undertaking a master’s degree in nutrition, poring over the latest scientific papers and books, and producing hundreds of hours of his internationally successful Plant Proof podcast, Simon has pursued the answers to all the questions he had about fuelling our bodies with more plants. Now, in his first book, he brings it all together into one inspiring and practical guide. It covers: – The reasons why we’re all so confused about what to eat – The evidence showing how a plant-based diet might reduce risks of heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, cancer and dementia – The positive impact of plant-based living for the climate and animal welfare – Common myths about a plant-based diet – and what the real facts are – How to build a healthy, satisfying plant-based plate, from macronutrients to micronutrients – Practical tips for making the shift, and much more. If you want to understand and unlock the many benefits of putting more plants on your plate, this book is for you. |
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