Date:
Beronda L. Montgomery
Interim Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation
MSU Foundation Professor
Michigan State University
Shaping up and responding: Color vision and light-dependent developmental plasticity in cyanobacteria
Abstract: Photosynthetic organisms depend upon light for carbon fixation and production of reductant. Thus, the ability to adapt to changes in the photoenvironment is critical. Some cyanobacteria alter the shape and volume of their cells in response to changes in ambient light, including changes in light intensity and predominant wavelengths or colors of light available. In this talk, the distinct molecular mechanisms used by these organisms to ‘shape up’ in response to light are discussed, including parallels to known bacterial morphogenesis-regulating mechanisms, impacts on carbon-fixation mechanisms, and highlighting novel means used by cyanobacteria to regulate morphology.
Host: Elena Kramer Lab
