From Genomes to Function

The cell wall of plants represents a dynamic matrix whose composition, structure and function is required for all aspects of growth and development and for a variety of biotic and abiotic interactions through which plants respond to their environment. The 2015 Gordon Conference on Plant Cell Walls will focus on genetic, cell biology, biochemical and physiological approaches to understanding plant cell wall assembly and function. The availability of genome information from a number of model systems and bioenergy crops provides the opportunity to critically assess conserved mechanisms and unique aspects of cell wall biosynthesis and organization across plant species and the regulatory mechanisms involved in establishing and maintaining these structures. This conference will also address current approaches investigating aspects of cell wall assembly and structure critical for wall deconstruction and modification that will be necessary in developing bioenergy resources from lignocellulosic materials.

This conference will bring together established researchers and more junior scientists to present their exciting and unpublished research and will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar. Meeting sessions will include both invited speakers and speakers chosen from the submitted abstracts. All attendees are encouraged to present posters.