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● dr hab. Magdalena Żuk, professor One
of the main issues I deal with is the regulation of the metabolism of
the phenylpropanoid pathway in flax (in particular the role of chalcone
synthase (CHS) in these processes). I showed that the modification of
the chalcone synthase gene and its activity have a significant impact on
the structure of the cell wall, the organization of wall polymers in
linse [Zuk et al. 2016]. These changes significantly translate into the
development of flax, and qualitative changes in phenylpropanoids are an
important factor regulating the transition of flax from the vegetative
phase of growth to the generative phase of development [Zuk et al.
2019]. I
conduct research on an innovative technique for modulating the activity
of plant genes by using short oligonucleotide sequences [Dzialo et al.
2017, 2019]. It is a method based on the induction of epigenetic
changes. Treatment of plants with short oligodeoxynucleotides (OLIGO /
ODN), also known as OLIGO technology, is an innovative method that has
been used for the targeted induction of epigenetic changes in flax
plants. The method consists in introducing into the cells short
oligodeoxynucleotides, homologous to the appropriate regions of the
studied gene. The plants obtained with this method became the basis for
a new variety of flax (entered in the Variety Register in 2020). At
the same time, I became interested in the role of potentially toxic
substances in flax - cyanogenic glycosides. So far, it has been proven
that these compounds can be a defense element of plants against
herbivores. Their role in general metabolism is also postulated - where
they can constitute a specific nitrogen reservoir for further syntheses
of, for example, amino acids and further biogenic amines [Zuk et al.
2020]. It is also possible for them to participate in the processes of
sulfur assimilation. My research also includes the role of these
compounds in plant response / adaptation to stress factors and
pathogenic infections.
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● Consultation hours: Monday, 12:00 - 14:00 |
