The Canadian Society of Microbiologists is divided into 3 Sections, one of sections being Molecular Genetics & Cellular Microbiology.  This section encompasses all aspects of microbiology that are not commonly thought of as directly environmental or medically significant. As such the interests encompass all aspects of molecular and microbial genetics (gene to genome), physiology and biochemistry (metabolite to whole organism) that deal with the life of the organism and its interactions with its surroundings people who feel that their interests lie within these parameters. Microbial cells are incredibly diverse and wonderfully adapted to the niches they inhabit. Researchers that belong to the Molecular Genetics and Cellular Microbiology (MGCM) section ask questions about how microbial cells function, and study genes and gene products (RNA and/or protein as well as the whole cells) for answers.

MGCM researchers are just as likely to be working with pathogenic organisms as they are with microbes of more environmental importance. Many focus on model organisms such as Bacillus subtilizes Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Sinorhizobium maillot, and Streptomyces coelicolor, to name a few. Basic research questions can include why a particular cellular component is important for pathogenicity, how members of a species communicate with each other, or how structural components are synthesized and coordinated to create a living cell capable of reproduction. Microorganisms investigated include viruses (eg. bacteriophage lambda), bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Neurospora crassa. Most MCGM researchers undertake fundamental research that ultimately will have practical applications in a field such as biotechnology and synthetic biology, industrial and food microbiology, or in developing new molecular biology methods.

MGCM researchers make heavy use of cutting-edge molecular biology techniques and thus offer students the opportunity to become highly trained in these important skills in addition to becoming expert microbiologists. These skills are highly valued by potential employers in industrial and research settings, as well as being a firm footing for an academic career. Biology of the Cell (BoC) publishes papers in English on all aspects of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Cell Physiology. Of particular interest are contributions directed towards understanding structure-function relationships with respect to basic cell and tissue functions, development, neurobiology, immunology, microbiology and protozoology, and plant biology. Theoretical and biophysical models on any aspect of cell function can be submitted. Descriptions of methods will be considered but their validity should be demonstrated by one or more applications justify publication in BoC, manuscripts must make a significant contribution to our understanding of the mechanistic relationships that govern cellular functions.

With kind regards,

Amelia Johnson

Managing Editor

Single cell biology