Understanding the genetic and structural bases of hornworts' carbon-concentrating mechanism
EMSL Project ID
51868
Abstract
Photosynthesis is the source of energy for almost every life on earth. Through evolution, some organisms have evolved ingenious ways to make photosynthesis much better than others - learning how they do it could have far-reaching implications in agriculture and human health. Here we focus on a unique carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) in hornworts, an understudied, and often viewed as enigmatic, lineage of plants. Our ongoing efforts on genome sequencing and genetic transformation method development are making it possible to delve deeply into hornwort biology. Building upon this foundation, we will use a combination of RNA-seq, proteomics, as well as fluorescent and cryo-TEM imaging to start unraveling the genetic and structural bases of hornwort CCM. The results of this research will likely open a new and unique window toward enhancing photosynthesis.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2021-10-01
End Date
2023-10-01
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator