Plastid Nanomorphology Group - Plastid Nanomorphology Group

Plastid Nanomorphology Group

Our group investigates the structural plasticity of plastid internal membrane networks from formation to maturity. Using advanced structural analyses alongside biochemical and biophysical methods, we study the composition-organization relationship of highly ordered cubic membranes in plants. Our research uncovers connections between composition, structure, and biological function of these complex membrane assemblies, with an applied prospect toward developing biomimetic cubic membranes with promising technological functionalities.

Join us

We welcome students interested in conducting their bachelor's or master's thesis research under the supervision of our group members. There is also a possibility to join us as a PhD student within the framework of the University of Warsaw Doctoral School for Exact and Natural Sciences. Please contact us via email for details.

EuroCurvoBioNet COST Action

All our group members actively participate in the interdisciplinary EuroCurvoBioNet scientific network, with Łucja Kowalewska serving as Vice-Chair. This European initiative brings together biophysicists, biologists, mathematicians, and engineers to investigate how surface curvature influences cell behavior and tissue development. The network fosters cross-disciplinary communication and knowledge exchange, developing tools to understand geometry's role in biological processes and its applications in medicine and materials science.

News

New Publication on Thylakoid Membrane Adaptation Strategies

11 07 2025

Our new paper, led by Radek Mazur on photosynthetic apparatus adaptation to low-light conditions in peas and beans, has been published. The study revealed that despite differences in thylakoid membrane ...

Ahoj from Prague! EuroCurvoBioNet Workshop

04 07 2025

Ahoj from Prague! Łucja and Michał participated in the EuroCurvoBioNet COST Action outreach and dissemination workshop. Michał delivered a two-part hands-on workshop on 3D printing techniques, while Łucja together with ...

30th Biophysics Workshop in Kazimierz Dolny

17 06 2025

Łucja and Radek delivered talks at the 30th edition of the Biophysics Workshop in Kazimierz Dolny. This anniversary edition of the wonderful event brings together biophysicists from across Poland for ...

BOB Seminar on Automated Recognition of Membrane Nanostructures

10 06 2025

Tomorrow, Łucja Kowalewska from our group together with Szymon Nowakowski from the University of Warsaw Center for Machine Learning will jointly present a seminar showcasing the results of our collaboration ...

Łucja Received Her Habilitation Diploma

07 06 2025

Last Saturday, a ceremonial habilitation degree conferment took place in the University of Warsaw Library gardens, where Łucja Kowalewska received her commemorative habilitation diploma from the University of Warsaw Rector. ...

New NCN OPUS 28 Grant in Our Group

27 05 2025

Łucja Kowalewska has received an OPUS 28 grant titled "From Nature to Biomimetics: Molecular Mechanisms of Diamond-Type Cubic Membrane Formation in Photosynthetic Lineages," which will be implemented in consortium with ...

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