Professor Philipp Zerbe, UC Davis – Investigating Plant Terpenoid Metabolism And Bioproduct Applications

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Cal ACS members and friends gathered at the North Berkeley Senior Center for a buffet lunch, networking, and a chance to explore the exotic chemistry of plants.  Professor Philipp Zerbe presented new results from his laboratory at UC Davis, including their studies of the scent compounds from the Wollemi Pine (shown above).  This ancient species dates to the era of the dinosaurs, and was thought to be extinct until its discovery in the remote mountains of New South Wales, Australia in 1994.  Its survival in the wild is threatened, and the UCB Botanical Garden is one of many centers working to preserve the species.  Professor Zerbe is working with researchers at the Botanical Garden to study the unique chemistry of this mysterious plant.

View the Zoom recording HERE.

Click HERE to download the meeting slides (PDF)

Professor Zerbe’s lab has also explored the biochemical pathways and genetic traits that provide disease-resistance in corn (maize), aroma/flavor in strawberries, and potential plant sources for valuable medicinal compounds. In addition, he teaches an introductory research course (CURE) that introduces new students directly to research on genetic pathways in plants.