Mrs Jamie Sauer

MSc Student

Research Interests

I successfully completed my BSc: Genetics undergraduate and honours course with Distinction at the University of Pretoria. At Present, I am busy completing my Masters in Genetics under the Supervision of Prof. A. Myburg within both the FABI and FMG research groups. My Masters project is entitled: Functional genetic analysis of carbon Sucrose Synthase using laser scanning confocal microscopy. This research project aims to investigate the role of Sucrose Synthase in cellulose biosynthesis in the model plant Arabidopsis with the use of modified SuSy from Eucalyptus grandis, using gateway fluorophore fusion constructs and high resolution Laser scanning confocal microscopy technology. The subcellular localization of the two sucrose synthase enzymes (EgSuSy 1 and EgSuSy3) isolated from Eucalyptus grandis will not only aid in defining the roles of these enzymes, but also add to our ever-expanding knowledge about the complexities of cellulose biosynthesis and wood formation. This knowledge will facilitate the breeding and genetic engineering of trees that are more acquiescent to pulp and paper manufacturing. A better understanding of carbon allocation in forest trees will facilitate the breeding and management of forest plantations using genetic tools allowing for higher crop yields and reducing the wastes (lignin etc.) associated with this process.