Plant physiologists study and understand the biological processes of plants, often specializing in areas such as flower pigmentation, root structures, and species reproduction. They work in academia or private industry, using their knowledge to optimize plant growth and extract beneficial compounds for medicinal use. They may also advise government agencies on plant-related policies and regulations.
A plant physiologist is a scientist who focuses on studying, understanding, and often teaching the integral biological processes of plants. These professionals spend most of their time conducting research on certain elements of plant life. This could include flower pigmentation, tree root structures, or the science of species reproduction and mutation, among other things. The work that a plant physiologist can engage in is very broad, and the profession encompasses many professional paths.
Plant physiology encompasses more than the direct biology of plants. Biology and the organic nature of plant life are fundamental, but the day-to-day work of the average physiologist involves a high degree of chemistry and mathematics. Physiologists study the inner workings of plants, usually at the cellular level. Enzyme patterns, protein synthesis and gene expression are substantial parts of the work.
Many plant physiologists are affiliated with universities. The percentage can vary from country to country, but in most places, the preponderance of jobs in the field is within academia. Scientists in school settings teach students the basics of organic physiology while engaging in independent research.
Most of the time, a plant physiologist has one or two main areas of study. That way, he or she can be an expert in a certain area. Plant physiologist requirements almost always include extensive education, and graduate programs – particularly doctoral programs – are often where these scientists hone their knowledge and define their professional areas of work.
A minority of plant physiologists work in private industry, usually for horticultural associations, botanical gardens or naturopathic drug manufacturers. Their understanding – not just of how plants grow, but also why and how they grow – makes them valuable to many groups. Scientists are often able to help grow and optimize new plants, as well as isolate certain genes and proteins that can be used beneficially by humans.
Physiologists who specialize in plant extracts and chemical harvesting are sometimes recruited by government agencies to help research biological cures for diseases. Work of this type is generally carried out in national laboratories. Physiologists work with teams of other scientists to find beneficial ways to extract plant matter from existing organisms or to grow specialized plants that are optimized for certain compositions or chemical outputs.
Government groups may also hire plant physiologists in an advisory capacity. These scientists often act as experts for policymakers who would otherwise not understand the critical processes behind the manufacture of medicines and natural supplements. The plant physiologist’s duties in this setting often include testing safe limits for plant compounds in dietary supplements and assisting with the regulation of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
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