Professor Dr Ulrich Lüttge

Ulrich Lüttge began his work with biophysics and biochemistry of membranes of plant cells, particularly with respect to the physiology of glands of plants and ion uptake by roots. Membrane transport mechanisms are also essential in the ecophysiologically important mode of photosynthesis called crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Via their investigation he has arrived at widening his research interests, on the one hand towards physiological ecology of plants in the tropics, especially ecophysiology of photosynthesis, on the other hand towards studying the free running endogenous rhythm of CAM (biological clock). In the context of the latter he has developed an intensive trans-disciplinary cooperation with theoretical physicists, where in an intimate integration of experiment, theory and modelling certain aspects of theoretical biology have been promoted.