Improvement of cell plasma membrane research capabilities in biology

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This Research Improvement in Minority Institutions (RIMI) project will use novel biological techniques to improve the institution's cell plasma membrane research capabilities. These studies will focus on the effects of genetics, developmental and environmental influences on plasma membrane properties for freshwater mussel and the aquatic bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. It is expected that plasma membrane fluidity, composition and binding properties will change in response to environmental and developmental signals. Chromatography and fluorescence polarization will be used to monitor these changes. This comprehensive study involving comparative physiology and physiological ecology will significantly increase the research capability of a predominantly minority institution The principal investigators have the necessary training background and experience to do the research. Faculty and students working on this project will have opportunities to use new procedures to investigate the role of lipid membrane fluidity in the function and development of certain cells.