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:This project investigates the survival strategies of organohalide-respiring bacteria in oligotrophic environments, focusing on their mechanisms of energy acquisition through humins oxidation. The research aims to uncover the metabolic adaptability of bacteria in resource-limited settings, providing new insights into microbial survival strategies under extreme conditions. It may also have significant implications for bioremediation and environmental pollution management.
