Submitted by Krishna Niyogi on
Photosynthesis enables life as we know it on Earth and although the larger complexes and fundamental carbon reactions have been known for decades, the regulatory mechanisms of photosynthesis and photoprotection are much less known. In this project we take a genetics approach generating and characterizing algal mutants that are defective in different aspects of photosynthesis. These include mutants generated by random mutagenesis and those that are disrupted in hypothesis-driven target genes using methods such as CRISPR. Our aim in studying these mutants is to understand the function of the disrupted gene at a mechanistic level by characterizing the mutants’ photosynthetic phenotype and correlating it with their molecular phenotypes. The overarching goal of this project is to discover and understand gene functions that are important for photosynthesis and photoprotection, a deeper understanding of which is critically needed to tackle problems such as climate change.
The undergraduate student will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with various algal species addressing similar question centered on photosynthesis. They will be well-trained starting with preparation of media and solutions, sterile microbiology techniques, molecular biology techniques such as genomic DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing, cloning, and the use of any necessary bioinformatic tools. Previous students have been trained on more advanced techniques such as immunoblots, microscopy, RNA purification, cDNA synthesis and training on such techniques will depend on the project development and the student interests. Students who have already taken or currently taking BIO1A lab course in the fall semester are preferred and will be asked to plan on working in blocks of hours of at least four hours within normal work hours.
Minimum qualifications: Biology 1A or 1B (may be taken concurrently), 3.0 GPA, and interest in genetics. Hours are negotiable, but a commitment of at least 12 hours per week is expected