Red-light perception and red-shifted chlorophylls: evolutionary consequences. The importance of red light is highlighted by the diversity of photoreceptors and the potential enhanced photosynthetic efficiency by using red-shifted chlorophylls. Elucidating photoregulatory mechanism driven by red/far-red light will allow us to understand the formation and evolutionary significance of red-shifted chlorophylls.
School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Masters/PHD
Light is both an energy source and a deliverer of environmental information. There are two kinds of photopigment-binding protein complexes in photosynthetic organisms: one to absorb and convert sunlight as the energy source, and another to sense sunlight as an environmental information carrier. Different photosynthetic pigments allow the organism to use a wider spectral region of sunlight. The discovery of red-shifted chlorophylls in two cyanobacteria has expanded how photosynthetic organisms take advantage of red-shifted chlorophylls (Chl d and Chl f) to extend their spectral absorption (Chen et al. 2010; Chen and Blankenship 2011). The unique ecological niche where organisms that use red-shifted chlorophylls (Chl d and Chl f) were found (Kuhl et al. 2005; Chen et al 2010; Mohr et al. 2010; Behrendt et al. 2011; Larkum et al. 2012) raises a number of interesting questions. How do these cyanobacteria produce red-shifted chlorophylls? What kind of photoregulatory mechanisms do these cyanobacteria use to sense light conditions? Is far-red light necessary for the formation of the red-shifted chlorophylls?
The project will focus on identify the red-light perception molecules and their relationship with chlorophyll modification. The project will involve using sequence analysis (bioinformatic comparisons), PCR/RT-PCR, protein isolation, SDSPAGE and proteomic analyses.
• Current PhD/Hons topics being undertaken at the location or with the supervisors
Three PhD Projects are being undertaken in A/Prof Chen’s laboratory.
1. Light-harvesting systems in Chromera velia
2. Function of antenna systems in a newly isolated cyanobacterium containing chlorophyll f
3. Global protein analysis of cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina under various oxygen-stressed conditions.
• Is the opportunity also available for Honours students?
Yes, one-year potential projects are available for honours students. Details please contact A/Prof Min Chen ([email protected])
• Techniques, methodologies, research approaches, technologies, etc., employed by the project - e.g., electron microscopy, textual analysis, etc.
Pigment and pigment-bound protein analyses are performed by using a spectrophotometer, fluorescence photometer and other molecular spectral analysis methods.
General protein isolation and characteristic methods, such as electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE, IEF, Western Blotting, Native electrophoresis, 2-D gel, peptide mass finger printing and other proteomic analysis.
Chromatographic anaylsis such as HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), FPLC (Fast protein liquid chromatography), gel filtration and ion-exchanging columns for proteins and protein-complexes purification.
DNA, RNA isolation, PCR (DNA as templates) and RT-PCR (RNA as templates), Gene transformation and functional studies in vitro.
General biochemical and molecular biological experiences are required for potential students who want to study inthe laboratory. Hons A or similar experiences is required.
• Scholarships/funding available
ARC Centre of Excellent for Translational Photosynthesis (2014-2020)
Biosynthesis of chlorophylls (ARC Future Fellow, 2013-2016)
ARC Discovery Project (2012-2014)
HDR Inherent Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:
- Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
- Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
- Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
- Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
- Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
- Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
- Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
- Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
- Hold a current scuba diving license;
- Hold a current Working with Children Check;
- Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)
You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 1309