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Andrew SmithAssociate ProfessorBiology
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I am also a faculty member in the Biochemistry program.
We are currently investigating the nature of the adhesive secretions of a
variety of molluscs. These are gels: they consist of a dilute, tangled network of
polymers. These adhesives are neither truly solid, like a cement, nor fluid, like the water under
a sucker. For lack of a better term, they are often referred to as mucus. The structure of
these gels varies widely, however, and the catch-all term "mucus" is probably inappropriate. The
function of these gels varies widely as well. Some gels are outstanding lubricants. Some
are excellent adhesives. Intriguingly, it appears that many molluscs can convert a slippery gel
into a powerful adhesive. Thus, we are comparing the structure of different adhesive gels with
the goal of determining the functional significance of structural features.
Students wanting to conduct research in my lab, please read my current projects.
The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Sigma Xi (The Scientific Research Society)
