Dr Chris Morgan
Group Leader Royal Society University Research Fellow
The Morgan group studies the molecular mechanisms of meiotic recombination, utilizing Arabidopsis and wheat as model organisms.
Meiosis is a special type of cell division that produces sex cells (sperm and eggs in humans, pollen and eggs in plants). During meiosis, chromosomes are reshuffled by the exchange of large segments of DNA. This DNA exchange, known as recombination, generates genetic diversity in offspring and is essential for evolution, fertility and selective breeding. Despite being studied for over a century, the molecular mechanisms that determine where, and how many, DNA recombination events occur during meiosis remain somewhat mysterious.
By employing state-of-the-art microscopy and other complementary experimental approaches, Chris aims to comprehensively understand how meiotic recombination is controlled and how it is affected by climate change. Generating mechanistic insights into this highly conserved aspect of eukaryotic genetics could drive future innovation in plant and animal breeding.
Selected Publications
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Fozard JA, Morgan C, Howard M (2023)Coarsening dynamics can explain meiotic crossover patterning in both the presence and absence of the synaptonemal complexeLifePublisher's version: 2050-084X
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Morgan C,Fozard J,Hartley M,Henderson I,Bomblies K,Howard M (2021)Diffusion-mediated HEI10 coarsening can explain meiotic crossover positioning in ArabidopsisNature Communications (12)Publisher's version: 2041-1723
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Morgan C,White MA,Franklin FCH,Zickler D,Kleckner N,Bomblies K (2021)Evolution of crossover interference enables stable autopolyploidy by ensuring pairwise partner connections in Arabidopsis arenosa.Current biology : CBPublisher's version: 0960-9822