Published in Probe Volume 2(3): Fall 1992
Dr. J. E. Varner
Department of Biology
Washington University
St. Louis, MO
Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other interested individuals had the opportunity to test their endurance while increasing their knowledge of plant biochemistry as participants in a nonstop, 3-week course, Plant Biochemistry 1992.
Held in La Jolla, CA, June 28 through July 19, the comprehensive course was organized in response to the belief that full exploitation of the ongoing activities in plant genetics and molecular biology requires further training and research in plant biochemistry.
Some students proclaimed themselves "survivors" after completing the course, which included 120 hours of lectures given by top plant biochemists from universities and various industries.
Lecturers
Dr. James Bonner presented the first lecture. His book, "Plant Biochemistry" (1950, 1965, and 1976, Academic Press, New York), provided inspiration for many of the subsequent speakers.
Additional lecturers included G. Kishore, G. Coruzzi, S. F. Yang, J. Zeevaart, D. Ho, N. Crawford, D. Phillips, D. Soll, N. Amrhein, P. Kolattukudy, J. Siedow, D. Randall, C. Yocum, J. Whitmarsh, R. Malkin, H. Pakrasi, R. McCarty, G. Lorimer, W. Ogren, A. Huang, R. Buchanan, I. Ting, R. Vierstra, M. Chrispeels, T. Farmer, C. Somerville, B. Mudd, W. Briggs, J. Varner, C. Lamb, C. West, A. Darvill, D. Delmar, and E. Conn. (See the list below for lecture topics presented.)
Sponsors for the course were the American Society of Plant Physiologists (ASPP); University of California, San Diego (UCSD); the Salk Institute; and the Scripps Research Institute. The 1992 course was supported by grants from USDA, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Plans for 1993
Planning is underway for Plant Biochemistry 1993, which is to be held next summer at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Course information will be available around January. The deadline to receive applications will be either March or April. A general biochemistry background is required for participants.
Students are requested to pay one-half of their room and board costs. Other expenses will be covered by the granting agencies through ASPP. Sponsors for the course expect to have 40 to 50 registered participants. Locals in the area are free to attend the course.
For more information, contact the following individuals:
Dr. Himadri Pakrasi
Washington University
One Brookings Dr.
Campus Box 1137
St. Louis, MO 63130
Ph. (314) 935-6853
FAX (314) 935-4432
Dr. Kenneth Keegstra
Botany Department
University of Wisconsin
430 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Ph. (608) 262-9997
FAX (608) 262-7509
Amino Acid Metabolism
Ethylene Biosynthesis and Action
Plant Hormone Analysis
Biosynthesis and Further Metabolism
Hormonal Regulation of Gene Expression
Nitrate Assimilation
Nodulation and Nitrogen Fixation
Chlorophyll Biosynthesis
Cyanide Resistant Respiration
Cutin, Suberin, and Peroxidase
Mitochondrial Physiology and Biochemistry
Protein Kinases and Related Metabolism
Photosystem II and I Thylakoid Structure
Cytochrome bf Complex
Use of Molecular Biology in the Study of Photosynthesis
ATP Synthase
Metabolite Transport Across Chloroplast Membranes
Targeting Proteins to Chloroplasts
RUBISCO Assembly
CO2-Fixation
C3/C4 Photosynthesis
Assembly of Oleosomes
Redox Metabolism in Chloroplasts and in Seeds
C4 and CAM, Protein Turnover Glycoproteins
Secretory Pathway and Vacuolar Targeting
Wound Signaling, Systemin and Jasmonate, Lipids
Sulfur Metabolism, Phospho- and Sulfo-lipids
Blue Light/Photocontrol
Cell Wall Polysaccharides, Cellulose
Phenolic Acids and Cyanogenic Glycosides