Advances in Lichen Research through Synthetic Manipulation of Cyanobacteria
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Shannon, Katie
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
Lichens represent a diverse and poorly understood taxon. Though they have known metabolites whose potential has yet to be realized, discovering the exact mechanisms of chemical production is difficult due to the symbiosis of fungus and photobiont. My project proposes to take chitinase-forming genetic material from bacterial detritivores and apply it to cyanobacteria for insertion into a lichen symbiote. Given the chitinous nature of fungal cell walls, I believe that a locally created enzyme would break down the connection between the two species and allow for quick separation of fungus and bacterium in the presence of internally generated chemicals. This will allow for more focused examination of the physiology of the conjugate organism and its parts.
Biography
Joshua is currently a junior studying Biological Sciences. Currently this project is his main area of extra-curricular study, although he has had light experience with genetic research in the past. Upon graduation, Joshua plans to attend graduate school in the hopes of entering a research-based career.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Advances in Lichen Research through Synthetic Manipulation of Cyanobacteria
Upper Atrium/Hall
Lichens represent a diverse and poorly understood taxon. Though they have known metabolites whose potential has yet to be realized, discovering the exact mechanisms of chemical production is difficult due to the symbiosis of fungus and photobiont. My project proposes to take chitinase-forming genetic material from bacterial detritivores and apply it to cyanobacteria for insertion into a lichen symbiote. Given the chitinous nature of fungal cell walls, I believe that a locally created enzyme would break down the connection between the two species and allow for quick separation of fungus and bacterium in the presence of internally generated chemicals. This will allow for more focused examination of the physiology of the conjugate organism and its parts.
