Clare Hall King Lecture

Thu 31 May 2018

Robinson College Auditorium

Cell growth (increase in cell size/mass) and cell division (increase in cell number) go hand-in-hand in ensuring continuity of life. Yet, research on cell growth started in earnest only recently, well after mechanisms controlling cell division were elucidated. Cell growth, despite its obvious and fundamental importance, was largely overlooked because it was thought to be a spontaneous process that just happens when building blocks (nutrients) are available. We now know that cell growth is in fact an actively regulated, plastic process. What led to this change in paradigm that in turn stimulated the study of cell growth? Thomas S. Kuhn coined the now famous term “paradigm shift” in 1962 to explain how scientific knowledge advances. However, Kuhn’s examples were in chemistry, physics, and astronomy, leading some to ask if there are paradigm shifts in biology. I will discuss paradigm shift as it applies to biology, with particular emphasis on my experience in the field of cell growth control.

Cost: Free