Home | Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology

Project Extension includes Phage Research

The DFG Research Training Group on regulatory networks of ribonucleic acids (RNAs) at Justus Liebig University Giessen has been extended for another four and a half years. A new addition to the cooperation is Dr. Katharina Höfer`s Max Planck Research Group.

Microbial Juggling

A spot of molecular glue and a timely twist - these two tricks help a bacterial enzyme convert carbon dioxide into carbon compounds 20 times faster than plant enzymes do during photosynthesis.

Finding new weapons in Nature`s battlesites

The interactions of bacteria with other organisms involve a plethora of largely unknown natural substances. A systematic analysis of this "dark matter" led by Dr. Yi-Ming Shi and Prof. Helge Bode revealed a true biochemical treasure trove.

Successful reconstruction of important metallocofactor

Researchers from the research group led by Seigo Shima have reached a new step towards the use of hydrogen biocatalysts
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Dr. Nicole Ludwig receives MarBiNa-Award

In her doctoral thesis, the Max Planck junior scientist investigated the highly complex interaction between a fungal pathogen and its host plant. Her findings open up new possibilities for combating plant diseases.

Welcome to the
Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology

The aim of our research is to understand the diversity and function of microorganisms. They are more numerous and diverse than all other living organisms – there is no place on earth they do not colonize. There are mainly three main reasons for their success: their immense metabolic capacities, a great ability to adapt to environmental changes, and a wide range of interactions with other organisms. Whether by their indispensable role in the global cycles of matter, the conversion of atmospheric greenhouse gases or their numerous interactions with humans, animals and plants - microorganisms decisively shape life on earth.

Like all of the over 80 Max Planck Institutes, we conduct basic research, true to Max Planck`s saying: "Insight must precede application." A fundamental understanding of processes and interrelationships is prerequisite for any medical or technological innovation. We use state-of-the-art technologies in combination with computer modeling and analysis as well as synthetic biology methods.