UUNIOZ_The origin and diversification of eukaryotic metabolisms

Eukaryotic metabolisms in light of Earth history - from the deep past into the future

The origin of eukaryotes represents a defining event in life’s history hypothesized to have occurred in the marine realm. Eukaryotes originated through a symbiosis between archaea and bacteria. Yet crucial questions on the early evolution and diversification of eukaryotes throughout Earth and climate history remain unresolved, hampering predictions on the future evolution of ocean life. We aim to deliver a detailed model on the origin of eukaryotes and trace the sources and subsequent diversification of eukaryotic enzymes relative to geological events. This will be achieved using genomics approaches integrating fossil and paleoenvironmental data to bridge biological evolution with geological records.

Joint research

This project is part of the joint research of Utrecht University and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research concerning the functioning of (coastal) seas and oceans.  Pairs of scienists will carry out interdisciplinary research into pressing scientific and societal issues that tie in with the strategic themes of both organisations. In addition to the Faculties of Science and Geosciences, also the Faculties of Law, Economics and Governance, and Veterinary Medicine of the UU are involved. The projects are part of the agreement to intensify the collaboration UU-NIOZ (2016-2025), funded by UU.

Project information

Research leaders 
Dr. Anja Spang (NIOZ)
Prof. Dr. Berend Snel (Utrecht University)

Theme 
Ocean of Discovery
Our Future Ocean

UU-NIOZ project page
For more information on this project and other UU-NIOZ projects, visit the joint UU-NIOZ project page 

Meet the team
Below you find the NIOZ employee(s) working in this team. For a complete overview including Utrecht University team members visit the joint UU-NIOZ project page