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Exploring the evolution and ecology of non-photosynthetic Cyanobacteria (2019–2023)

Abstract:
The dogma that all Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic has recently been challenged by the discovery of non-photosynthetic lineages. This project should expand our rudimentary understanding of non-photosynthetic Cyanobacteria by obtaining representative genome sequences using metagenomics. Features such as respiratory capacity, surface structures, and antiviral defence systems will be predicted, and metabolic reconstruction used to direct isolation efforts. Predicted surface structures will be visualised using immuno-DNA labelling and electron microscopy. The proposed research should provide insights into the function and evolution of non-photosynthetic Cyanobacteria and their viruses, and pure or enriched cultures to enable future studies.
Grant type:
ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award
Researchers:

  • Dr Rochelle Soo

    UQ Amplify Researcher
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    Faculty of Science
Funded by:
Australian Research Council