Research projects of current students
- Anja Paulick
- Start date: May 2008
- Nationality: German
- Diploma thesis:
"Constitution of the flagellar motor of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and influence on the biofilm formation”. (2007) Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Research group:
AG Thormann, Dept. of Ecophysiology, MPI
- Research project description
My research focuses on motility in the gram-negative metal-ion reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. The bacterial flagellum, used for swimming and swarming motility, is a rotating filament driven by a motor complex at the filament’s base. The motor, consisting of the static and rotating elements is a highly dynamic and adaptive nanomachine which is powered by ion gradients across the membrane. We have shown that the single polar flagellum of S. oneidensis MR-1 is driven by two different motor complexes that depend on different coupling ions, protons and sodium-ions.
I am using a combination of genetic, biochemical, and cell biology approaches to define the composition of the motor system in response to environmental conditions. By using microscopic techniques I am planning to study the adaptation process of this dynamic system in vivo.
