
Kaye Peterman
Susan M. Hallowell and Ruby Frances Howe Farwell Professor of Biological Sciences
Plant cell biologist who uses molecular genetics, biochemistry and confocal microscopy to study how plant cells grow and divide.
I am interested in how plant cells, encased in a rigid cellulose “box”, manage to grow and divide. I am particularly intrigued by the molecular underpinnings of these essential processes, and especially the role of membrane lipid-derived signals that interface with the cytoskeleton. Most recently my work has focused on plant proteins of the Sec14 superfamily that are involved in cytokinesis and cell expansion. In my lab we employ two model plant organisms, the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana and more recently the moss, Physcomitrella patens. Both of these organisms have fully sequenced genomes and are readily amenable to genetic manipulation. These features allow us to create mutations in specific genes and then examine their involvement in cytokinesis and cell expansion. We also engineer plants to express fluorescently tagged proteins that can be imaged using the confocal microscope. This approach allows us to examine the dynamics of specific proteins and lipids in live cells as they grow and divide. Wellesley students are true collaborators in this research and are involved in all aspects of the scientific process, from designing and performing experiments to presenting our work at conferences and writing scientific publications.
My teaching interests stem from my fascination with the cellular and molecular basis of life and my passion for the botanical world. At the introductory level I teach in our cellular and molecular biology courses. I also teach an intermediate course in plant biology that explores how plants develop, function and adapt to their ever-changing environment. For advanced students I offer a seminar in plant biotechnology that examines the use of recombinant DNA technology to address some of the most pressing agricultural, environmental and health-related problems of our day. I have also co-taught a seminar for newly declared biological chemistry majors that introduces them to research and professional opportunities in the field. In all of my teaching I take great pleasure in sharing my enthusiasm for the intricacies of the living world and in helping students develop the analytical thinking, writing and speaking skills they need to succeed.
When not in the lab or the classroom I enjoy spending time with my husband John (also a biologist), our two sons, Zack (Colby ’13) and Aaron (Oberlin ’15), and our two rescued Brittany’s, Luigi and Ruby. Out of doors is my favorite place to be with kayaking and walking my current favorite activities. I am obsessed with all things food, especially cooking and gardening. I love to travel, especially to places with warm beaches, lush landscapes and good food.
Links
Education
- B.S., Texas A & M University
- Ph.D., Duke University
Current and upcoming courses
CRISPR gene editing is at the center of an ongoing revolution in biology. This system for precise and efficient gene editing has led to numerous applications in medicine, agriculture and the environment. This course will examine the molecular genetic, cellular and biochemical principles that govern CRISPR and its myriad uses. Topics will include the microbial adaptive immune system and its modification for use as a gene editing tool, applications of CRISPR to the study and treatment of cancer and human diseases — both genetic and infectious, the use of CRISPR to engineer food crops that thrive in the face of climate change, CRISPR gene drives as tools to control disease-spreading insects and invasive species in wild populations, and CRISPR as a powerful tool to study model organisms and probe biological functions. We will also evaluate ethical and legal issues surrounding this revolutionary genome engineering system.
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An overview of the physiology and development of land plants from the cell/molecular level to the whole organism. Topics include photosynthesis, transport systems, patterns and regulation of growth and development, and interactions with the environment – both biotic (pathogens, animals, other plants) and abiotic (light, water, temperature). Applied aspects including medicinal plants and the potential for biotechnology to increase food production in the face of climate change will be addressed. The investigative, exploratory laboratory sessions will provide an introduction to techniques currently employed in answering research questions ranging from the cellular to the organismal level.. This course has a required co-requisite Laboratory - BISC 207L