Teaching:
The Microbiology groups are involved in teaching in the Biology and the Molecular Life Science bachelor and master programs. In both programs we are teaching all aspects of general microbiology in the basic and advanced courses and lectures. Furthermore, we offer the possibility for 15-20 students to do their thesis within one of the research groups in the microbiology.
Research:
The group is mainly involved in the search for novel biocatalyst genes with unusual properties. For this we use the genetic potential of the not yet cultivated microbes (metagenomes). Within this work, we are very much interested in the isolation of novel decarboxlyases, lipases and cellulases (AG Streit).
Furthermore we are identifying novel molecules and proteins that can be used to prevent and control microbial biofilm formation. Here we are very much interested in microbial lactonases (AG Streit).
The third focus of the group lies within the analysis of genomes of selected microbes that are associated with plant surfaces. Among these are Rhizobium sp. NGR234, Burkholderia glumae and Chromobacterium sp. HH01 (AG Streit).
The group of Dr. Spieck has strong focus on the isolation and characterization of nitrite oxidizing microbes. The main topic of this lab is the characterization of novel Nitrosospira isolates and the analysis of their role within the global nitrogen cycle (AG Spieck).
Complementary the lab of A. Pommerening-Röser focuses on the NH4+-oxidizing microbes. The lab is interested in the molecular ecology and physiology of these bacteria (AG Pommerening-Röser).
The recently established independent research group of Dr. Perner is involved in the characterization of microbial communities living in deep see hydrothermal vents. The research focus of her project is on CO2 fixation and H2-consumption. The group is very much interested in the different enzymes linked to these processes and the biodiversity with the studied communities (AG Perner).
Further information on the research in the microbiology groups can be obtained from the lab web site: www.mikrobiologie-hamburg.de (new window)
