CAREER: Control of Sexual Reproduction in Marine Diatoms: A Molecular and Genetic Approach

P.I.：Armbrust提案编号：97-02158 机构：华盛顿大学标题：职业生涯：控制海洋硅藻的有性生殖：分子和遗传方法 这个教师早期职业发展（CAREER）项目的重点是分子遗传学在单细胞藻类称为硅藻的发展。 硅藻是自然界中数量最多的水生真核微生物之一，广泛分布于海洋和淡水环境中。 由于它们在海洋上升流区和大陆架地区的主导地位，硅藻在产生地球的氧气和从大气中去除二氧化碳方面发挥着关键作用。 这个CAREER项目中描述的研究旨在从分子水平上剖析海洋硅藻如何感知和应对环境变化。 环境胁迫经常诱导从基本上“永生”的营养生长过渡到终末分化的有性阶段。 将确定伴随这种转变的基因表达模式的变化。 分子遗传学的方法和逻辑也将纳入关于使用分子技术解决生态问题的研究生课程和本科生实地考察和研究课程。 此外，还将为高中教师提供一个关于使用分子技术研究海洋生物的短期“实践”实验室课程。

P.I.: Armbrust Proposal Number: 97-02158 Institution: University of Washington Title: CAREER: Control of sexual reproduction in marine diatoms: a molecular and genetic approach This Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) project focuses on the development of molecular genetics in the unicellular algae known as diatoms. Diatoms are one of the most abundant groups of aquatic eukaryotic microorganisms found in nature, with a wide distribution in both marine and freshwater habitats. Due to their dominance in oceanic upwelling zones and in regions over the continental shelves, diatoms play a critical role both in generating the earth's oxygen and in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The research described in this CAREER project is designed to dissect, at a molecular level, how marine diatoms perceive and respond to environmental change. Environmental stress frequently induces a transition from essentially "immortal" vegetative growth to the terminally differentiated sexual stages. The change in patterns of gene expression that accompanies this transition will be identified. The methods and logic of molecular genetics will also be incorporated into a graduate course on the use of molecular techniques to address ecological questions and an undergraduate fieldwork and research course. Additionally, a short, "hands-on" laboratory course on the use of molecular techniques to study marine organisms will be provided for high school teachers.