Soheil S. Mahmoud
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
UBC Okanagan
3333 University Way
Kelowna, B.C., Canada
Phone: (250) 807-8752
Lab: (250) 807-8777
Fax: (250) 807-8004
Email: soheil.mahmoud@ubc.ca
Research Overview
Isoprenoids, or terpenoids, are the largest class of plant secondary metabolites, or natural products. They have important ecological and physiological roles in plants as pollinator attractants, defensive agents, hormones and photosynthetic pigments. Terpenoids tremendously influence our lives and have a significant impact on our economy. They impart health-promoting properties to fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. They are also extensively used in the manufacturing of medicines, cosmetics, pesticides and numerous other industrial products.
My research is concerned with the metabolism of isoprenoids in plants. More specifically, we are interested in the molecular, cellular, biochemical and environmental factors that regulate the quality and quantity of aromas and essential oils produced by herbal and medicinal plants. Current work focuses on identification, cloning and characterization of structural and regulatory genes that are involved in the biosynthesis, inter- and intracellular trafficking, secretion and storage of monoterpenes (the 10 carbon isoprenoids) in plants cells specialized for secondary metabolite production. One of our goals is to improve crop plants through plant biotechnology.
Leaves are treated to produce |
Callus formed from somatic cells. With proper |
New plants are tranferred to the field. |
UBC Okanagan experimental field. |
Last reviewed 
12/8/2009 4:48:46 PM
