MRI: Acquisition of a LSM710 Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope to Enhance Plant Research and Training at the University of North Texas

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This MRI award funds the acquisition of a LSM710 laser scanning confocal microscope tosupport research and training in plant signaling at the University of North Texas by providingimaging capabilities that are required for molecular and biochemical studies at the cellular andsub-cellular levels. In addition, the confocal microscope will enhance research and training indevelopmental physiology, eco-toxicology, neurobiology and microbiology. The LSM710 willcome equipped with a 34-channel spectral detector that will facilitate studying the in situexpression pattern of genes, intracellular protein localization and protein-protein interactions,changes in Ca2+, reactive oxygen species and sugar fluxes, and macromolecular dynamics.Broader Impacts: The LSM710 will benefit undergraduate and graduate students and post-docsby providing them training in the application of imaging technology for research anddevelopment. The confocal microscope will also provide opportunities to encourage andbroaden the participation and training in the Life Sciences of underrepresented minorities, highschool-aged students and future secondary teachers through the McNair program, the TeachNorth Texas program, the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, the Honors College, theNSF S-STEM supported (#0807128) Fostering Outstanding Cohorts in Undergraduate Science(FOCUS) Scholarships program, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute UndergraduateScience Education program at the University of North Texas. The LSM710 will supportresearch by these students. The instrument will positively impact the environment and societyby supporting research on the discovery, function and application of signaling mechanisms inplants, which will augment sustainable agriculture, industry and renewable natural resources.