R.
Kelly Dawe
Associate
Professor of Plant Biology and Genetics
Creative Research
Medal 2000
Kelly Dawe studies how plant chromosomes move in cells. In particular,
his research focuses on the kinetochore, which is the organelle
primarily responsible for chromosome movement. The kinetochore
binds DNA at a specialized region called the centromere. The
centromere/kinetochore complex is responsible for moving chromosomes
during cell division and ensuring that genetic information is
transmitted from generation to generation. By combining traditional
genetic approaches, modern genomics resources and state of-the-art
cell biological analysis, Dr. Dawe has developed the maize centromere/kinetochore
as a model for understanding the structure and function of this
cell component. He has helped advance knowledge to a point where
it may be possible to develop artificial plant chromosomes. Such
chromosomes hold great promise as the next generation vehicle
for moving genes into crop plants. The implications of Dr. Dawe’s
work extend beyond maize to all organisms — even to humans — because
errors in chromosome delivery can result with birth defects and
cancer.
Source: 21st Annual Research Awards Program (2000)
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