We are pleased to invite you to attend the dissertation thesis defence of Tereza Beránková with the title “Genomics of termites and their symbiotic microorganisms” (Department of Sustainable Technologies, Tropical Agrobiology and Bioresource Management). Thesis defence will take place on 23rd April 2025, 9:30 a.m., meeting room 313 (building FTZ).
This research explores the relationship between termites and the microbes in their digestive systems. These microbial communities, passed down across generations, enable termites to break down tough plant materials like wood and soil, playing a crucial role in global nutrient cycling. By studying microbial genes and enzymes across diverse termite lineages, the work uncovers patterns of coevolution and microbial inheritance that have persisted for over a hundred million years.