Unlike mammals, birds have nucleated red blood cells that retain almost all functional organelles in the mature state. Amongst these are the mitochondria – the powerhouses of the cell that are responsible for almost all energy production in the animal body. The fact that birds contain mitochondria in their blood cells is convenient because this makes it possible to study the very foundations of how birds live and prosper from a small blood sample. This insight has revolutionised research in ecology and evolution, ranging topics from embryonic development to thermal adaptation and fitness in the wild.
Many technical aspects inherent to the study of bird blood mitochondria have never been studied; a major problem that complicates the interpretation and reliability of published research data. In this project, you will apply state-of-the-arts methods in bioenergetics and cellular metabolism to test critical assumptions of current practices in mitochondrial measurement in blood, and also develop methodology to improve prevailing protocols. Experiences in laboratory techniques is helpful, but not essential. Starting time is flexible and the duration is 15-60 credits.
For more information, contact: Andreas Nord, andreas.nord@biol.lu.se