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To understand the clock architecture of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Graduate Student Seminar Series | Dhoopchhaya Sarkar | October 5, 2023

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Abstract: 

Circadian rhythms are oscillations with a period of about 24 hours that are observed in many physiological and metabolic processes of living organisms. It is governed by an internal biological clock which is synchronized by external cues like light and temperature. It influences daily patterns of various cellular functions and behaviours. The evolution of the clock has occurred at various time points, from cyanobacteria to plants to humans. Although daily rhythms are predominant in diatoms the molecular basis of these rhythms remains unknown. Diatom is a prominent member of the phytoplankton group and occupies a unique position between early photosynthetic bacteria and eukaryotic plants. Therefore, knowing the diatom clock will provide valuable insights into the course of clock evolution from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a model diatom that has been extensively researched because of its amenable genetic and biochemical features.  My thesis mainly aims to use this model diatom and elucidate the clock organization and its components. To achieve my goals I will combine biochemical, genetic, and imaging techniques that are well-established in P. tricornutum.

About the Speaker:

Dhoopchhaya is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Ashoka University under the guidance of Dr. Sougata Roy. Her research interest involves investigating the molecular components of Phytoplankton (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) circadian clock. She completed her Master's in Biotechnology from Jamia Hamdard in 2020 and her Bachelor's in Microbiology (Hons.) from the University of Delhi in 2018. Apart from chasing the unknown in the field of chronobiology, Dhoopchhaya enjoys baking cheesecakes, sipping a good cup of coffee and reading fantasy fiction novels in her downtime. 

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