Charlotte Joynson

• BSc Cell and Molecular Biology
• Cellulolytic soil Chytrid: A fungus and its bacterial interaction

During my project, I carried out experiments using cellophane squares as bate on soil, to see which soil types and geographical locations the Chytrid Rhizophlyctis grows in and to then figure out the best methods of culture, using different types of media. I then carried out DNA extractions using fungal primers followed by PCR and gel electrophoresis to confirm fungal presence in the soil. I also had the extracted DNA sequenced to confirm the identity of the fungus as Rhizophlyctis. Finally I carried out experiments to look for a symbiotic bacterial partner that is often associated with Rhizophlyctis, by observing Rhizophlyctis under the inverted and scanning electron microscope.

Funding source: British Mycological Society