The Molecular Mysteries of the Sexual Life of Plants

Dudits, Denes

Flowers do not merely possess an aesthetic value; the seeds born by the pollination of the stigma concealed within them serve species preservation and thus are indispensable sources of human alimentation. Research into molecular, cell and development biology over the years has revealed some of the mysteries of the plant life cycle.
With the sequencing of plant DNA stock, gene technology interventions have become more precise. Building isolated genes into the genome of plants makes it possible to suspend gene functions, and the over-production of proteins, i.e. to create trans-genic plants.
The first part of the lecture overviews the molecular processes responsible for flowering, pollination and seed development. With knowledge of these processes, describing and isolating the genes and controlling them can greatly aid the plant cultivator and breeder in the safe production of crops. Next, we are provided with convincing examples of the many ways in which the processes in the sexual organs of plants can affect our daily lives and the lecturer draws a most important conclusion - the primary task of plant breeding is to improve our plants to ensure healthier food and encourage environmentally conscious agricultural practice. Newly acquired knowledge aims to improve our quality of life and it is hoped that humankind will fully exploit this opportunity.

About the lecturer