Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2003/00730
The importance of non-genotypic diversity for the survival of microbial populations.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor S Avery, University of Nottingham, Sch of Biology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor PS Dyer, University of Nottingham, School of Life Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Nottingham, Sch of Biology
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Marine
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Global Change
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Environmental Physiology
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Population Ecology
- Abstract:
- It is well known that individual cells within genetically-uniform microbial cultures exhibit marked variability in their activities (phenotypes). For example, some cells within clonal populations commonly survive while some die during exposure to particular stress conditions, despite having the same genetic make up (genotype). Recent reports have begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms underpinning this 'non-genotypic' heterogeneity. A major resultant hypothesis - yet to be tested - is that such variability provides a layer of diversity additional to that arising from genotypic variation, and which contributes to the overall fitness and survival of organisms in the natural environment. Our long-term goal is to examine whether non-genotypic heterogeneity does indeed have a significant role in nature. The aim of this short project is to determine whether non-genotypic heterogeneity is important in cell survival in different model laboratory systems subjected to a range of environmental stresses, providing a precedent for future studies of 'real' environments. This will involve the development of a novel 'phenotype reversion' test based on the premise that non-genotype-based phenotypes should not be heritable. Success here will allow the development of a longer-term programme of research, with results of potentially great significance in understanding the survival of species in response to changing environmental stresses.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2003/00730
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £31,230
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|
| £17,424 | £5,791 | £8,015 |
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