Project Details
Projekt
Metagenomic: An ecological study from the "Deep Biosphere"
Applicant
Professor Dr. Joachim Reitner, since 5/2008
Subject Area
Palaeontology
Term
from 2002 to 2008
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5385884
Microbiological investigations during ODP Leg 200 showed cultivable microorganisms (tentative sulfate reducing and Fe-oxidizing bacteria), and microfossils as mineralized microbial biofilms in deep submarine basaltic lava flows of North Pacific Ocean. Consequently, the major goal of the proposed research project is the characterization of microbial life on both single cell level and endolithic microbial biofilms in the Paleogene oceanic crust. The obtained anaerobic and aerobic bacterial cultures and also extracted nucleic acids from volcanic material ... will be analyzed with respect to their phylogenetic affiliation by ribosomal DNA based analysis. The general physiological properties of cultured organisms will be determined by biochemical assays. To obtain specified structures in an µm-scale directly from rocks, advanced laser ablation will be performed. Various light and electron microscopic techniques will be conducted in conjunction with DNA staining techniques and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Geochemical characterization of rock material is proposed, including microprobe and whole rock analysis. A stable isotope (0, C, S) and radiogenic isotope (Sr, Nd, Pb) study of mineral separates and whole rocks is also scheduled.
DFG Programme
Infrastructure Priority Programmes
Ehemalige Antragstellerin
Dr. Gabriela Schumann, until 5/2008
