Michigan State University has one of the highest concentrations of plant scientists in the world and is a leading institution in all areas of plant science research and education. The Molecular Plant Sciences (MPS) graduate program brings together into one coherent program the breadth and depth of MSU faculty who apply molecular, biochemical, genomic, and computational approaches to understand the structure and function of photosynthetic organisms.
Plants support almost all life on earth. They are the foundation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and provide essential services and materials to all people.
Molecular plant scientists study the genetic, biophysical, and biochemical processes that plants use to capture solar energy and use it to biosynthesize food, fuel, wood and paper, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
Fundamental knowledge about the molecular biology of plant physiology and development is critical for:
The project, led by Erich Grotewold, will use the funding from the National Science Foundation grant to increase corn productivity by better understanding how gene expression is controlled.
Image courtesy of MSU
The MPS Faculty member and director of the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory reflects on his experience of fruitful multi-lab projects at MSU.
A seminar series that incorporates the broad research interests across the molecular plant sciences program runs on Mondays at 4p.
