Research Progress in 2002

In order to tackle the complex problem of the role of calcium homeostasis in plant gravitational biology, researchers came together over five projects. We have chosen two major systems for our studies: Arabidopsis for the molecular studies and the maize pulvinus for the biochemical studies. However, where it was necessary to solve a specific problem or where we have existing expertise, other plant systems were used. The research synergy is such that there are multiple co-investigators participating in each of the five projects. This approach has resulted in highly integrated research thrusts, listed below as Projects I - V: