Research Focus

Our research focuses on eukaryotic microalgae called coccolithophores. These algae play a central role in the world's oceans and are known for their cell walls of intricately patterned scales of calcium carbonate called coccoliths. The central aim of our research is to unravel the molecular basis of key aspects of coccolithophore biology: the biogenesis of their calcitic cell wall scales and the biosynthesis of alkenones and sulfated, polyanioinc polysaccharides. Our long-term goal is to translate the knowledge gained into the development of novel products for biotechnological, medical and nanotechnological applications. In addition, we are investigating the interactions between coccolithophores and other microalgae and microorganisms. To this end, we use biochemical, molecular genetic, and imaging methods.