F.J. Vermeir (Femke)

Micro-organisms are essential for life on Earth. One of these key players are anaerobic ammonium oxidizers (anammox) that can convert fixed nitrogen to nitrogen gas in environments deprived of oxygen. In this manner, anammox bacteria have an important role in the global nitrogen cycle making it possible for other organisms to live and grow. In my project, I study the enzymes and the metabolism of anammox bacteria on a molecular level to broaden our understanding of how they can make a living of inert nitrogen species. To do this, I make use of biochemical assays and metabolomics approaches.