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- Written by: Agnieszka Szuba
- Category: Climate for biodiversity
- Hits: 357
We invite you to listen to Dr. Agnieszka Szuba’s lecture entitled “Molecular research and the functioning of trees in a changing environment”.
Molecular biology allows the analysis of processes that take place in cells. We examine variability of mRNA, protein or metabolite levels. Biological material is analysed in well-equipped laboratories, performing relatively uncomplicated biochemical analyses, but also high-throughput macromolecule studies. Our work requires knowledge, but also modern equipment, such as robots or mass spectrometers. The obtained mass spectra and (meta)data are subjected to statistical analysis and the obtained results allow us to answer our research questions.
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- Written by: Hanna Fuchs
- Category: Climate for biodiversity
- Hits: 407
We invite you to listen to Dr. Hanna Fuchs’s lecture entitled “Genetic basis of seed longevity”.
In the face of climate change, gene banks uphold the biodiversity of the plant world. Seed viability loss is one of the biggest problems of such places. Therefore, at the Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, we are interested in the genetic basis of seed longevity. Knowledge of these mechanisms can give us the tools to influence seeds to achieve tolerance to desiccation and extend their storability.
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- Written by: Teresa Hazubska-Przybył
- Category: Climate for biodiversity
- Hits: 389
We invite you to listen to Dr. Teresa Hazubska-Przybył’s lecture entitled “Somatic embryogenesis as a way to preserve the biodiversity of forest tree species”.
Trees of forest species are characterized by a wide spectrum of biodiversity. Its preservation at the genetic level is possible, for instance, by using one of the methods of micropropagation - somatic embryogenesis. Although this method is used primarily in the production of economically important crops, it can also be used to preserve the valuable gene resources of forest trees, especially in times of intense climate change.
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- Written by: Tomasz A. Pawłowski
- Category: Climate for biodiversity
- Hits: 398
We invite you to listen to Prof. Tomasz Pawłowski’s lecture entitled “Climate and tree seed germination.”
Environmental conditions are critical factors controlling seed germination. One of the adaptations to unfavourable conditions is the phenomenon of dormancy, which allows plant germination and development to be coordinated with the environment. This property is essential for species continuity and the preservation of biodiversity. Trees have genetically adapted to the local climate and habitat in terms of the depth of dormancy and seed germination. Climate change can disrupt this balance and determine the survival of trees.
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- Written by: Paweł Chmielarz
- Category: Climate for biodiversity
- Hits: 396
We invite you to listen to Prof. Paweł Chmielarz’s lecture entitled “Forest in the freezer or in a test tube?”
Genetic resources are usually stored as desiccated seeds, at negative temperatures in gene banks. But what if the seeds are intolerant to desiccation or the plants fail to develop seeds? Then one preserves small tissue fragments in liquid nitrogen that, after defrosting, can be used to cultivate complete plants via in vitro cultures. Can dying old oak trees be cloned 'in glass' to preserve their gene pool? A prerequisite for the success of any method is to understand the biology of the seeds and to recognise the potential for micro-propagation of species.
