The genetic basis of sporopollenin, the most durable biopolymer known

This project aims to characterize the genetic bases of the biosynthesis of sporopollenin, the most durable biopolymer known to man. The project expects to generate new knowledge of the evolution and biosynthesis of sporopollenin by applying comparative genomics and genetics to a unique model species, Marchantia polymorpha. Expected outcomes include an elucidation of the genetic basis for one of the key morphological adaptations for life on land. This should provide significant benefits including the ability to manipulate sporopollenin biosynthesis, which could lead to diverse applications of this biopolymer, including as a possible avenue to carbon sequestration.