Department of Biology
Robert E. Cannon, Professor
- Research:
- We study Acetobacter xylinum, a Gram-negative soil bacterium that synthesizes cellulose, the earth's most abundant natural polymer. Lines of investigation include: microbial/molecular genetics, microbial ecology, and textile application of bacterial cellulose. The genetics studies involve isolation of mutants and their characterization along with physical mapping studies using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis technology. We are also studying the bacterial cellulose as a potential raw material for textile products in the dehumidification and ultraviolet light protection markets.
- Recent Publications:
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Cannon, R.E. 2000. Acetobacter xylinum-Biotechnology and food technology. In Electrotransformation of Bacteria: Springer Lab Manual. N. Eynard & J. Teissie (eds.) Springer-Verlag, Germany, in press.
Skinner, P.O. & R.E. Cannon. 2000. Acetobacter xylinum, an inquiry into cellulose biosynthesis. The American Biology Teacher 62:442-444.
- Classes:
- Major Concepts in Biology (BIO 105)
- General Microbiology (BIO 481)
- General Microbiology Lab (BIO 481L)
- Internship in Biology (Bio 497)
- Biology Seminar (BIO 498)
- Advanced Topics in Microbiology (BIO 509)
- Virology (BIO 583)
- Immunology (BIO 584)
- Seminar in Microbiology (BIO 608)
- Contact:
- 441 Eberhart Building
- (336) 256-0071