Cell Biology - Introduction

In the Cell Biology Group of the COMAV Institute we study different aspects of plant cell biology interesting from an applied point of view within the context of plant biotechnology. In addition, we study other basic aspects of cell structure and function, always related to plant biology. For this, we have extensive experience in implementing a wide range of cell biology-based techniques as well as the equipment necessary to apply them to any type of plant material. These techniques include flow cytometry, tissue and cell in vitro culture, light and fluorescence microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, cryoprocessing techniques, in situ molecular localization techniques (immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, FISH), quantititative analysis, stereology and three-dimensional reconstruction, among others.

One of our priority research topics focuses on the study of the experimental phenomenon of androgenesis. On the one hand, we are interested on the study of this process in a model system (Brassica napus). Our aim is to shed loght on the role of several factors, both endogenous and exogenous, potentially involved in the induction of microspore embryogenesis and the development of the androgenic embryo. On the other hand, we use this and the rest of the available knowledge to develop efficient protocols for androgenesis induction in recalcitrant species of agronomic interest, mainly Solanaceae such as eggplant, pepper and tomato.