Scanning electron micrographs of diverse diatoms. (Credits: Diana Sarno, Marina Montresor, Nicole Poulsen, Gerhard Dieckmann)
Diatoms are the most species-rich algal class with estimated ≥ 100,000 species. They contribute to 20% of global carbon fixation and oxygen production. However, with genomic information from only about 10 diatoms, our ability to harness their unique biology is very limited. Consequently, this project will sequence 100 diatom species for providing unique insights into their roles as key players for capturing carbon dioxide and as the foundation of diverse aquatic food webs. These insights will also be critical for advancing diatom-based biotechnology and synthetic biology platforms.
Proposer: Thomas Mock, University of East Anglia (UK)
Proposal: 100 Diatom Genomes Project