Exploring the symbiotic interface of amoebal host and its nascent photosynthetic organelle in the amoeba Paulinella chromatophora (Rhizaria, Cercozoa) (B09)

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Our group is interested in the evolution of intracellular bacteria into genetically integrated cell organelles. In this project we will focus on the role of the envelope membranes that surround the evolving organelle during this integration process. For this purpose, we exploit a unique model system: the amoeba Paulinella chromatophora which contains nascent photosynthetic organelles of cyanobacterial origin, termed chromatophores. Our main aims will be to determine the molecular mechanisms that enable protein translocations across the double envelope membrane enclosing the chromatophore and to characterize ultra-structure and lipid composition of this membrane system.