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Functional diversity, energy metabolisms and biochemical properties of proteolytic and amino acid degrading microorganisms living in hydrothermal vent fields

PhD-prosjekt: Victoria Røyseth

Hovedinnhold

Prosjekttittel

Functional diversity, energy metabolisms and biochemical properties of proteolytic and amino acid degrading microorganisms living in hydrothermal vent fields 

Veiledere

Ida Helene Steen, Runar Stokke, Håkon Dahle, Eoghan Reeves 

Prosjektbeskrivelse

Hydrothermal vent fields are unique ecosystems in the deep oceans where water-rock interactions support chemosynthetic communities. A substantial research focus has previously been on revealing the diversity of chemolithoautotrophs taking part in chemosynthesis, while less focus has been on the microorganisms living on the diversity of organic compounds in the systems. These organic compounds may derive from hydrothermal processes or from biological necromass. The overall goal of the project is to increase our knowledge on the functional diversity, energy metabolisms and biochemical properties of proteolytic and amino acid degrading microorganisms living in hydrothermal vent fields. Study area for the project is the hydrothermal vent fields located on the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge (AMOR). The importance of this research extends beyond the hydrothermal vent systems, given that large carbon reservoirs exists elsewhere on our planet. Knowing key players in complex carbon degradation is a fundamental feature of any ecosystem. Moreover, the data produced and the knowledge generated could allow a more targeted bioprospecting of the biodiversity found in the AMOR hydrothermal vent fields.