Project description:We isolate the cultivable microbiome of a diatom and show that different bacteria have commensal, antagonistic, or synergistic effects on the diatom. One synergistic bacterium enhances growth of the diatom by production of auxin, a phytohormone. The diatom and its synergistic bacterium appear to use auxin and tryptophan as signaling molecules that drive nutrient exchange. Detection of auxin molecules and biosynthesis gene transcripts in the Pacific Ocean suggests that these interactions are widespread in marine ecosystems.
Project description:The study aimed to explore the potential of bacterial biodegradation as a solution to the global problem of plastic pollution, specifically targeting polyethylene (PE), one of the most common types of plastic. The goals of the study were to isolate a bacterial strain capable of breaking down PE, identify the key enzymes responsible for the degradation process, and understand the metabolic pathways involved.
