The Impact of Variable Stoichiometry on Predation and Competition: Development of Microbial Experimental Models

可变化学计量比对捕食和竞争的影响：微生物实验模型的发展。德克萨斯大学阿灵顿分校詹姆斯·P·格罗弗这个项目将研究微生物化学成分的变化如何影响它们与其他物种的相互作用。从理论上讲，营养元素碳、氮和磷的组成变化会影响细菌物种之间的竞争，也会影响细菌猎物与消耗它们的较大微生物的关系。最近开发的这些过程的数学模拟模型将使用两种细菌和一种消费微生物的实验室培养进行测试。需要测试的一些具体预测包括：减少营养物质细胞含量的能力表明营养物质的有效利用并可以提高物种的竞争能力；消费者改变被捕食物种之间竞争的结果的建议；以及这种影响取决于化学成分的细节以及消费者对养分的加工和再利用的概念。该项目将为研究生和本科生提供研究培训，包括从代表性不足群体招聘的学生。它还将提供对控制自然界微生物丰度的过程的洞察，包括一些生活方式包括以细菌为食的“有害藻类”。

The impact of variable stoichiometry on predation and competition: development of microbial experimental models.James P. GroverUniversity of Texas at Arlington This project will address how variations in the chemical composition ("stoichiometry") of microorganisms affect their interactions with other species. In theory, variations in composition of the nutrient elements carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, affect competition between bacterial species, and also affect the relationship of bacterial prey with the larger microorganisms that consume them. Recently developed mathematical simulation models of these processes will be tested using laboratory cultures of two bacterial species and a consumer microorganism. Some specific predictions to be tested include the proposal that the capability to reduce the cellular content of a nutrient indicates efficient nutrient use and can improve a species' competitive ability, the proposal that consumers alter the outcome of competition between prey species, and the notion that this effect depends on details of chemical composition and the processing and recycling of nutrients on the part of the consumer. This project will provide research training for graduate and undergraduate students, including those recruited from under-represented groups. It will also provide insights into processes governing abundances of microorganisms in nature, including some species of "harmful algae" whose lifestyle includes feeding upon bacteria.