Name: James Walker
Hometown: Melksham, England, UK
Hobbies: Baking, exploring, hiking, Netflix, singing, and card games.
Lab: Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory of Joseph Ecker
Lab website: https://ecker.salk.edu/
What do you study?
I study how a plant cell is programmed at the level of its DNA so that different cells can do different jobs, even though they have the same underlying genetic code. I look at an epigenetic mark known as DNA methylation and explore how it affects gene expression during plant development. I do this across a lot of different plant species to see how gene control mechanisms have evolved so we can understand what’s new and what’s always been there.
Why is it important?
Fundamental biology or “blue skies research” is an intriguing part of science as it really often results in unexpected yet spectacular advances for human society. Understanding how DNA methylation is regulated to control gene expression and development is one such pocket of research (in my humble opinion!). You can also imagine that it would be useful to know how plants naturally regulate genes so that humans can potentially do the same to control the expression of important genes within a particular stage of development, such as to improve seed production for more food. Evolution is a natural tinkerer of molecular mechanisms and so comparing DNA methylation across multiple plants to find differences and similarities actually helps us to understand gene regulation even better.
What piqued your interest in science?
When I was in high school I became fascinated by the patterns and rules of genetics such as the DNA code (A pairs with T and G pairs with C) that means the genetic sequence can be faithfully replicated through cell division. My love of plants started with a fantastic biology teacher that ran a horticultural club at school and explained the many ways that different plants develop to adapt to their environment, such as by curling their leaves to keep the air moisture levels just right for plant water retention.
What do you like about being a scientist?
I love solving puzzles and being able to explore the weird questions that pop into my head about why something happens in nature. Going for a walk and realizing the things that I’ve discovered are happening inside plants growing along the sidewalk is still so thrilling. Telling people about the cool things I find (as well as the classic “Did you know about this weird thing that happens in plants?!”) is also really satisfying!
What are 5 general vocabulary terms someone should know going into your field of science?
DNA methylation, evolution, gene regulation, transposons, development
What are 5 specific vocabulary terms someone should know about your research?
chromatin, promoters, gene bodies, Marchantia polymorpha, land plants, single-cell biology
Teaser Video: Liverwort Reproduction
Research Paper (AP Biology Challenge): Reproduction in Marchantia
“Extensive N4 Cytosine Methylation is Essential for Marchantia Sperm Function”