Research Group Diatoms

Bacillariophytes or diatoms produce about one fifth of the world‘s oxygen but little detail is known about their biodiversity. Because of their smallness they can only be seen under the microscope; their persistent glass valves with exquisite morphological patterns are investigated by electron microscopy. In living specimen this data can be coupled with molecular findings. Since they occur with high diversity in all waters, they are a key group for bioindication and paleo-climate-reconstruction.

Our research focusses on their identification, taxanomy and phylogeny as well as biogeography in order to understand the evolution of this worldwide biodiversity.

 An insight into our practical work:

http://www.laborwelt.de/videos/biotechnologietv/folge-127.html