Laboratory of Cell and Development Biology
The Laboratory of Cell and Development Biology, led by chairholder Viola Willemsen, studies the fundamentals of plant developmental processes. We generate insight in molecular networks and cellular processes that modulate the development of different plant organs and their crosstalk in relation to the environment. We aim to understand the ‘rulebook’ by which plant cells build functional (sub)cellular components and how this connects to particular developmental stages.
Our research
Our research is divided in seven research themes:
Education
Education by Cell and Development Biology
The Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology is involved in teaching several courses on cell biology; plant morphology, evolution and development; and technologies including light microscopy and tissue culture. You can also do an internship or thesis in our laboratory.
Publications & Projects
Our research includes studies on root and shoot architecture, tissue regeneration, and embryo development. The generated fundamental insights on processes in plant growth and development can drive the improvement of agricultural practices. To share our knowledge, we publish the results of our research in scientific journals, professional journals, scientific and popular books, and proceedings.
Highlight publications
- Effect of far-red and blue light on rooting in medicinal cannabis cuttings and related changes in endogenous auxin and carbohydrates
- Comparative Phylogenomics and Phylotranscriptomics Provide Insights into the Genetic Complexity of Nitrogen Fixing Root Nodule Symbiosis
- Fatal attraction: How Phytophthora zoospores find their host
Chairholder
Viola Willemsen is chair and professor of the Laboratory of Cell and Development Biology. In 2012, Willemsen came to Wageningen University & Research to work as a senior university lecturer. Before she got elected as chair, she was already interim chair group leader of the Plant Developmental Biology cluster.
People of Cell and Development Biology
Meet the people of this Cell and Development Biology.
