Science Collaborative Research Program
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
- J. Gary Tallman
- Professor of Biology
- Olin 113
- 503-370-6611
- 503-375-5425
- gtallman@willamette.edu
J. Gary Tallman
Professor of Biology
Ph.D. at West Virginia University.
Professional Interests
Dr. Tallman's expertise is with Plant Cell Biology and Biochemical Genetics.
Heat limits plant growth by inhibiting cell expansion and division; both processes require gene expression mediated by the hormone auxin. Our previous studies indicate that heat suppresses auxin-responsive gene expression in cultured plant guard cells. Activation of RacGTPase enzymes by auxin is required for auxin-responsive gene expression. We will test three hypotheses: 1) that heat disrupts RacGTPase-dependent auxin-responsive gene expression by disrupting RacGTPase activation in cultured cells; 2) that heat prevents RacGTPase-dependent Aux/Iaa protein degradation required for auxin-responsive gene expression in cultured cells; and 3) that heat suppresses auxin-induced gene expression in intact plants.