Electron cryotomography of sub-cellular assemblies

Future biotechnological applications of photosynthesis will require
bacteria that can harvest more of the solar spectrum than currently. That
way they could use more solar energy for making useful chemicals and
fuels. We are working on new pathways and combinations of pigments
in a photosynthetic bacterium that will exploit new parts of the solar
spectrum Ultimately we aim to convert a cell such as an E. coli into a
photosynthetic cell by engineering internal solar panels that allow them
to use sunlight for the first time. A crucial aspect of this work will involve
mapping in 3D molecular detail, arrangements of the protein pigments in
both native and engineered cells. To achieve this, we will exploit exciting
new developments in microscopy- cryo-electron tomography- that allow
us to visualise cells in unprecedented detail. We will create 3D images
of the photosynthetic machinery where we can even identify and locate
individual molecules. A crucial component of this project will involve the
development of new imaging methods that allow us to see the structures
more clearly. The project will involve combinations of biochemistry, use
and development of electron imaging approaches and computational