Symbiotic diatoms: applying mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to study in situ species interaction
In the open ocean unique partnerships between single celled eukaryotic microalgae (diatoms) and N2 fixing heterocystous cyanobacteria can be observed. Much is known about the diversity and distribution of the partnerships, yet little to nothing is known on how the two partners communicate. Recently a few of the symbiotic diatoms have been brought into enrichment cultures. The aim of the thesis project is to explore the application of various label-free IMS techniques for visualizing and characterizing the in situ chemical communication between the diatom and cyanobacterial partners. Depending on the pandemic, international field trip based work can be expected and therefore requires vaccine certificates for travel.
Contact
For more information about the position please contact:
Dr. Rachel A Foster
rachel.foster@su.se
Last updated: October 31, 2023
Source: Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Scieces