Tina Summerfield (far right) and members of her lab group.
Cyanobacteria |
| |
Email: tina.summerfield@otago.ac.nz |
| |
Phone: +64 3 479 7578 |
Research Interests
Cyanobacterial diversity, genetics and ecophysiology, the potential of cyanobacteria as a renewable energy source and cyanobacterial symbioses.
Teaching Involvement
| BIOL123 | Biology of Plants |
| BTNY203 | Marine & Freshwater Botany |
| BTNY465 | Plants and Environment |
| GENE223 | Developmental and Applied Genetics |
| GENE411 | Current Topics in Genetics |
| PLBI301 | Applied Plant Science |
| PLBI401 | Special Topics in Plant Biotechnology |
Current Research
Our research is focused on understanding the diversity and metabolic flexibility of cyanobacteria, and these microbes are found in almost all environments on Earth. They are an excellent model system for the study of photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, circadian rhythms, and response to environmental stresses and have potential as a renewable energy source. Less than 20% of described species have been cultured, indicating the potential of cyanobacteria remains to be discovered.
Please contact me if you are interested in research projects in any of these areas.
The Photosynthetic electron transport chain under low oxygen conditions
We have identified changes in the photosynthetic electron transport chain under low oxygen conditions that are associated with hydrogen production. We are investigating the impact of these changes on photosynthetic performance.
Cyanobacterial symbioses
Cyanobacteria form symbiotic associations with plants and fungi. We are studying cyanolichens, in particular the mode of cellular communication between the symbiotic partners and how this alters photosynthetic metabolism.