Sex, Synthesis and Structure: Investigating Diatom Reproduction Pheromones. This project aims to explore the reproductive pheromones of diatoms through chemical synthesis, shedding light on the ecolog

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Sex, Synthesis and Structure: Investigating Diatom Reproduction Pheromones. This project aims to explore the reproductive pheromones of diatoms through chemical synthesis, shedding light on the ecological and biological mechanisms driving their reproduction. Diatoms, a type of aquatic algae, play a pivotal role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), capturing as much CO2 as the world’s rainforests. Despite their importance, the diatom reproductive life cycle is poorly understood. This research aims to reveal how pheromones influence diatom reproduction, uncovering key mechanisms that could lead to innovative ways to manage their breeding and population growth. These findings could pave the way for new biotechnological solutions, such as enhancing CO2 sequestration and improving aquaculture systems.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry. Lead: Prof Lara Malins