Symbiotic Decomposition of Lignocellulose by Termites

该提案的重点是生物降解/转化 木质纤维素和木质素以及相关的植物材料（腐殖质）， 白蚁通过它们的肠道 微生物群（细菌、原生动物）。 这些研究将包括基本的 微生物表征的那些生物体，可以 培养，研究其生物化学和生理学， 分子生物学特性的评估。 的目的 研究是为了阐明基本的，功能性的相互作用， 只有细菌和原生动物物种之间，但与他们的 白蚁宿主也是如此。 这些研究不仅意义重大， 在生物学领域，但在理解全球的各个方面， 碳循环和全球变暖也是如此。

This proposal is focused upon the biodegradation/conversion of the lignocellulose and lignin, and related plant materials (humus), by termites that are rendered able to do this by virtue of their gut microbiota (bacteria, protozoa). The studies will include basic microbiological characterization of those organisms that can be cultivated, study of their biochemistry and physiology, and assessment of their molecular biological traits. The aim of the studies is to elucidate fundamental, functional interactions not only between bacterial and protozoal species, but with their termite hosts as well. The studies will be significant not only in the biological realm, but in understanding aspects of the global carbon cycle and global warming, as well.//