CHEESBROUGH, THOMAS - Ph.D.


Degree: Biochemistry, Purdue University

Research Area:Plant Molecular Biology

 Research in Dr. Cheesbrough laboratory is focused on 2 areas, lipid metabolism and insect resistance in plants.  Lipid metabolism is being studied at the pathway and gene levels. Pathway studies involve analysis of metabolic flux and control coefficients using in vivo  NMR and compound labeling studies. Gene level studies involve isolation and analysis of genes for enzymes involved in phospholipid and triglyceride synthesis during soybean seed development.  The genes are being analyzed for developmental and environmental regulation using in situ hybridization and other molecular biological techniques.  Dr. Cheesbrough is working in conjunction with other soybean researchers on campus to engineer transgenic soybeans with improved oil compositions (see also Drs. N. Reese, R. Scott and C. Carter).  This work involves development of more efficient plant transformation systems and selection of improved lines.  Insect resistance research is focused on transformation of wheat with genes from potato to produce aphid resistant lines; this work is part of a campus wide program on wheat improvement (see also Drs. J. Rudd and S. Haley).

Courses:
Cell Biology (Bio 343)
Graduate Seminar (Bio 792/Micr 742)
Plant Systems (ABS 798)
        Molecular Biology
        Molecular responses to stress

To Contact Dr. Cheesbrough:

Dr. Thomas Cheesbrough
Dept. of Biology/Microbiology
NPB 252, Box 2140D
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007-2142
phone: 605-688-5502
FAX 605-688-5624
email: cheesbrt@ur.sdstate.edu


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