Cellular and Molecular Characterization of Chemoautotrophic Symbionts from Marine Invertebrates

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This project is designed to investigate the symbiotic relationship between chemoautotrophic bacteria and their marine invertebrate hosts. Experiments will be designed to study the metabolic capabilities and genetic make up of the bacteria symbionts and to determine the evolutionary relationships of the symbionts to known autotrophic bacteria. Attempts will also be made to determine whether the bacteria-like organisms found within the invertebrate, Solemya velum, are capable of autonomous existence. This study should contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms where by animals live autotrophically in sulfide- rich habitats.