Research Summary

One area of research in Dr. Brock's group involves the stability of thermophilic enzymes. They are isolating and studying enzymes derived from high-temperature resistant bacteria. The mechanism by which these enzymes are stable at high temperatures is not clearly understood. Through purification of these enzymes and study of their physical properties in comparison with mesophilic, or lower temperature, enzymes, the group is learning how thermophilic enzymes maintain their stability.

Dr. Brock is also studying the structure of the mating type locus in fungi. Sclerotinia trifoliorum is a plant pathogenic fungus with unusual mating type properties. His group has identified the gene responsible for mating type control in this species through its structural similarity with related genes from other species. They are using molecular cloning techniques to determine the physical basis for this organism's uniqueness.

Selected Publications

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