Department of Biology

Plant synthetic biology will revolutionize agricultural capabilities and sustainability

Dr. Charles Neal Stewart
Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee

November 6, 2019
4-5pm

Abstract

Synthetic biology applications are nascent in plants compared with microorganisms.  One goal of my current research program is to write DNA to plant genomes to change the fundamental capabilities of plants in agriculture.  One example is the development of a synthetic chloroplast genome in full and miniature forms to replace or supplement the endogenous molecules.  Another example is to endow sense and report capabilities to plants for strategic and agricultural uses.  Discussed will be strategies, successes and failures while implementing synthetic biology and high throughput screening in plants.