Structural and molecular principles of root cell morphogenesis, and physiological and structural aspects of plant root (mostly maize) responses to environmental stress conditions are studied in the Department. The goal of the research activity is to understand mechanisms of processes of both plant cell development and cellular adaptation to unfavourable conditions. The root cells with a special emphasis on developing root hairs and their specific tip growth serve as model objects for the studies of cell morphogenesis. The role of cytoskeletal components and of some compounds with regulatory functions (MAP kinases) in the processes of morphogenesis are studied using microscopical, cytochemical, and immunofluorescence techniques. Zea mays, Vicia sativa, Medicago sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana have been chosen as experimental plants.

The department collaborates with the Institute of Botany, University of Bonn, Germany, School of Biological Sciences, Bristol University, UK, Centre of Biological Research (CIB, CSIC) in Madrid, Spain, and the Institute of Ecology and Conservation Biology, University in Vienna, Austria, ISPA /CNR, Bari, Italy.