Research:
In our department we are using molecular-genetic, biochemical and cell biology based approaches to study the interactions of plants and microbes with their environments. Research topics in our depatment range from understanding iron homeostasis and biological rhythms to exploring the microbial ecology of offices! Several of our research groups are examining how plants and microbes respond to abiotic and biotic stresses. We are also interested in determining how different microbes grow in biofilms and under high salt conditions as well in usind microbes as biosensors. Photosynthesis is another major focus of our departmant with several groups studying the structure and dynamics of the photosynthetic apparatus.
Prof. Shimshon Belkin's Laboratory
BASIC AND APPLIED ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
Genetically engieered bactera as environmental biosensors | Drop-size soda lakes: exploring microbial diversity on Tamarix leaves | Microbial ecology of the office environment: pathogens on computer mice?
Prof. Aaron Kaplan's Laboratory
THE MOLECULAR AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS THAT DRIVE ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES
The languages spoken by phytoplankton organisms in response to biotic and abiotic signaling and stress | Acclimation of photosynthetic organisms to environmental and oxidative stress | Metabolic regulation in photosynthetic organisms following changes in the light intensity and atmospheric CO2.
Prof. Alexander Levine's Laboratory
PLANT ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC STRESS INDUCED SIGNALING
The role of 5-Phosphatases and G-proteins in abiotic stress: signaling and expression | Symbiotic vs. pathogenic interaction between plants and microorganisms: The role of salicylic acid and the involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in the processes | Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis using plant genetics and cell biology.
Prof. Aharon Oren's Laboratory
MICROBIAL LIFE AT HIGH SALT CONCENTRATIONS
The microbial ecology of the Dead Sea and solar salterns | Osmotic adaptation in halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms | Microbial biodiversity in hypersaline environments.
Prof. Nir Keren's Laboratory
TRANSPORT & HOMEOSTASIS OF METAL IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC ORGANISM
Transition metal homeostasis in photosynthetic organisms | Biogeochemistry of iron acauisition in phytoplankton | Dynamics of the photosynthetic apparatus
Prof. Rachel Nechushtai's Laboratory
PHOTOSYNTHETIC PROTEINS STRUCTIURE AND ASSEMBLY
Structure-function relationships in iron-Sulfur proteins, e.g. Ferredoxin and mitoNEET | Biogenesis / assembly of membrane and globular proteins | Photosystem I - an alternative energy source.
Prof. Oren Ostersetzer-Biran's Laboratory
PLANT PHENOTYPIC RESPONSE
The main aims of our research are designed to investigate the nature of nuclear-organellar interactions, which link mitochondrial genome status and expression and plant phenotypic response..
