Division of Molecular Biology
At the Division of Molecular Biology, we investigate the molecular basis and functional roles of fundamental biological structures and processes.
Head
Secretary
Research in the Division of Molecular Biology is based on the methods of modern molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, biophotonics and bioinformatics. The model organisms used in these studies include bacteria, yeasts, cellular slime molds, several invertebrates, plants, lab animals and mammalian cells in culture.
The projects in the Division broadly involve the following fields of study: the maintenance of genome integrity and regulation of genome variation (DNA replication, recombination and repair); genome organization and repetitive DNA sequences; expression of genomic information (transcription and translation); signal transduction in the molecular regulation of cell division, growth, differentiation and senescence; cellular responses to toxic agents and resistance to cytostatics and antibiotics; the genetic background and regulatory mechanisms of neurotransmission; the regulatory mechanisms of photosynthesis; the physiology, biochemistry and structural biology of plant hormones; dynamical processes in the cytoskeleton; and the evolution of genes and genomes.
The primary purpose of these research projects is the general broadening of our knowledge of biological processes at the molecular level and the underlying principles of life, as well as the training of young scientists for professional work in the molecular biosciences, including biomedicine and biotechnology.