Dr Neha Bhatia, Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge
Nature has provided us with many beautiful patterns and forms to admire—for example, patterns on butterfly wings, stripes on a zebra, striking arrangements of leaves and flowers in plants, and diverse leaf shapes. A fundamental question in biology is how living forms are generated and diversified during evolution. Plants offer an attractive system to study this problem as they continue to develop their organs post-embryonically, allowing us to investigate organ initiation and follow their development over time. In my talk, I will discuss how the combined use of different techniques such as advanced microscopy, genetics and computational approaches can help us understand the genetically controlled mechanisms of patterning and growth that underlie the generation of plant forms.

Science on Sundays
A programme of free, informal, monthly science talks bringing the latest discoveries in plant science, as well as research linked to the plant collection at CUBG to our visitors in a 30 minute nutshell.
We will be running these talks live from the Botanic Garden Classroom for those visiting the Garden on the day.
Free with normal Garden admission.
Please check the website and social media for updates.
Suitable for adults and children aged 12+.
Talks run monthly March to July.