Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried

Maria Sokolova studies bacteriophages – viruses that infect only bacteria and differ significantly from cellular organisms in certain key features. In cellular organisms, many crucial enzymes – such as RNA polymerases – are highly conserved, meaning they have remained largely unchanged throughout evolution. By contrast, RNA polymerases in bacteriophages display unique properties that are not found in their cellular counterparts.

Biochemist Maria Sokolova investigates these differences and has already gained valuable insights into evolutionary processes. Her findings are also relevant to biotechnology, where phages are valued for their ability to adapt quickly and flexibly. Maria Sokolova’s research focuses in particular on the transcription mechanisms of these unusual phage RNA polymerases – the biological processes by which genetic information is transferred from DNA to RNA.

Further Information

• Research Funding > Programmes > Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize(interner Link)
• Overview of all prizewinners(interner Link)