Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2001/01253

How do marine diatoms fix ten billion tonnes of inorganic carbon per year?

Principal Investigator:: Professor RC Leegood, University of Dundee, College of Life Sciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor J Raven, University of Dundee, School of Life Sciences
Grant held at:: University of Dundee, College of Life Sciences

ENRIs:: Natural Resource Management; Global Change
Science Topics:: Environmental Microbiology; Environmental Physiology; Climate & Climate Change

Abstract:: Diatoms are responsible for at least a quarter of the greater than 4. 10 15 g (four peta grams) inorganic carbon fixed each year in the ocean. The aim of this work is to investigate the claim that marine diatoms, such as Thalassiosira weissflogii, possess C4 photosynthesis and to establish the existence and roles of PEP carboxylase and PEP carboxykinase. We will investigate (i) which 'C3 + C1' carboxylases are present and their intracellular location. This will be done by purifying PEP carboxylase and PCK from T weissflogii and raising antibodies against both enzymes, (ii) C4 metabolism by tracing the labelling of metabolites by 13CO2 using mass-spectrometry, (iii) the role(s) of PEP carboxylase and PCK in C4 and/or anaplerotic metabolism. We will manipulate the balance between photosynthesis and anaplerosis during growth by changing light, CO2 and N and measure the amounts of enzymes and patterns of metabolism.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £71,476

Total - Staff	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs
£41,135	£11,418	£18,922

If you need further help, please read the user guide.