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Cryo-EM analysis of the ultrastructure of Anabaena 33047, a filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium


EMSL Project ID
51851

Abstract

Anabaena sp. ATCC 33047 is a fast-growing diazotrophic cyanobacterium and potential bioproduction platform. To protect the O2-sensitive nitrogenase enzyme, Anabaena 33047 filaments differentiate both photosynthetic vegetative cells and specialized N2-fixing heterocysts. To support its fast growth rate, Anabaena 33047 has unique ultrastructural, physiological, and metabolic properties that require exploration in order to optimize this strain for bioproduction. We propose to use cryo-electron tomography to probe the two different cell types, the connections between them, and the intracellular organization of the cells, particularly the internal system of thylakoid membranes. Data collected using EMSL’s Krios G3i cryo-TEM will allow the imaging of statistically significant numbers of intact whole cells in a near native state, without staining or sectioning, providing insights into the fast-growing lifestyle of this cyanobacterium.

Project Details

Start Date
2021-04-05
End Date
2023-10-01
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Michelle Liberton
Institution
Washington University in St. Louis

Team Members

Himadri Pakrasi
Institution
Washington University in St. Louis