Biology of Algae and Protozoa

Non-fungal microeukaryotes such as microalgae and protozoa display an extreme phylogenetic diversity and stunning adaptations, lifestyles and genomic features. And yet, these ecologically important organisms are vastly understudied; in particular predatory, parasitic and symbiotic representatives. The Hess Lab explores the diversity of various protist taxa with state-of-the-art techniques, applies integrative taxonomy, and aims for understanding the evolution of functional and phenotypic diversity by genomic and cell biological methods. This uncovers the molecular secrets of taxon-specific adaptations in a wide range of microbial eukaryotes and also reveals new biological resources, for example enzymes and biopolymers which might be promising for future biotechnology applications.

• Exploring the hidden diversity of widespread predatory amoebae of the order Vampyrellida (Rhizaria)

• Functional traits and ecological preferences of soil dwelling vampyrellid amoebae (Vampyrellida, Rhizaria) in a management intensity gradient

• Activity, regulation and evolution of carbohydrate-active enzymes used in cell wall penetration by unicellular predators and parasitoids of microalgae

• Exploring cellular changes during the production of an extracellular sunscreen pigment found in terrestrial green algae (Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta)

• The role of CodeChi and chitin-associated proteins in the cell-cell interactions of free-living protists

• A eukaryote with anoxygenic and oxygenic photobionts Link
• A new sunscreen strategy found in terrestrial green algae Link
• A new microbial swimming style discovered in a mysterious protist Link