Sørensen, Megan

Key phases in the evolution of endosymbiosis: Microorganisms were crucial in the evolution of life and play an important role in ecosystems. In her ERC-funded project TRANSITIONS, microbiologist Megan Sørensen investigates how closely networked interactions between microorganisms arise and evolve over time.
She is studying partnerships between protists that are at critical turning points in their evolutionary integration. In particular, she is looking at the Paramecium-Chlorella endosymbiosis, which can be used to study the initial integration of independent partners into an endosymbiosis, and Paulinella chromatophora, which provides unique insights into the transition from endosymbiont to organelle. Sørensen aims to uncover the molecular basis of these relationships using a variety of techniques, from state-of-the-art technologies for visualising molecules within a single cell to field samples to observe these organisms in nature. Her work will shed light on fundamental evolutionary processes that continue to shape ecosystems and life on Earth today.