SGER: Construction of a Whole Genome Micro-Array for the Marine Cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus

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Prochlorococcus, a marine cyanobacterium, is a dominant phototroph in the world's oceans which contribute up to 50% of oceanic primary productivity. The complete genome sequences of two Prochlorococcus isolates have recently been completed by the Joint Genome Institute of the DOE. This study will develop complete genome microarrays to study gene expression in these isolates. This technology will not only help to identify the numerous unidentified genes in these organisms that have no homologues in sequence databases, but they will also provide insights into the environmental variables that have driven niche diversification in this group. Prochlorococcus thrives due to the existence of multiple ecotypes, each slightly specialized to thrive optimally under a slightly different set of environmental conditions. Pending the success of this project, a full-blown study will be conducted applying this array to the evolution and ecology of this organism. The array will also be made available to others.