Stress-Induced Lipid Accumulation in Emiliania Huxleyi: Impact on Trophic Ecology and Paleothermometry

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ABSTRACTOCE-0002186The neutral lipids of Emiliania huxleyii include a characteristic set of alkenones and related compounds with degrees of unsaturation influenced by growth temperature. These compounds have attracted considerable interest as indicators of paleotemperature. In this study, researchers at Oregon State University and California State University at Chico will carry out a set of laboratory investigations of these compounds in a variety of E. huxleyii strains. The experiments would be designed to test the hypothesis that these compounds function as energy stores during growth limitation and following shifts in environmental conditions. Additionally, they would test the hypothesis that algae with high levels of these compounds are nutritionally less suitable for protozoan grazers.