Welcome to the Ho Lab Website!
We are studying the diversity and evolution of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. Our lab is located at National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Cyanobacteria Photosynthesis Lab @Department of Life Science& Institute of Plant Biology
Welcome to Cyanobacteria Photosynthesis Lab
We are interested in things that are colorful, such as cyanobacteria, algae, various pigments, and proteins with beautiful colors!
Our research focuses on the diversity, mechanisms, and applications of cyanobacteria in the environment, particularly how cyanobacteria utilize far-red light for photosynthesis. We are also deeply interested in the evolution of primitive cyanobacteria and their unique physiological and biochemical conditions.
Why Studying Cyanobacteria？
Research about cyanobacteria receive more and more attention in recent years. Cyanobacteria are model organisms not only for studying photosynthesis but also for industrial applications. Some cyanobacteria are rich in nutrients for diet. In addition, valuable food additives and drugs can be isolated from some of them. By using genetic engineering, we can use cyanobacteria to produce many kinds of useful chemicals. Cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis in fixing carbon from the environment; therefore using cyanobacteria in industrial production is more friendly to the environment than other microbes.
Far-red light (FRL, wavelength = 700-800 nm) is important energy from the sunlight. However, few organisms can harvest FRL for oxygenic photosynthesis. The cyanobacteria studied in Ho Lab are one of them. The goal for Ho Lab is to elucidate the mechanism of using FRL for photosynthesis. We hope one day we can transfer this system to plants, expanding their light spectrum and increasing yield.
Our Philosophy
Our laboratory warmly welcomes students or researchers from diverse backgrounds, regardless of age, birth background, gender and gender identity, beliefs, or any personal traits—all are treated equally in our lab. In the laboratory, we maintain an open-minded approach to questions and are committed to experimentally finding answers. We actively engage in laboratory affairs and discussions, emphasizing the importance of both physical and mental well-being. Our goal is to contribute to a deeper and broader understanding of cyanobacteria and photosynthesis.