Collaborative Research: Functional Genomics and Physiological Ecology of Seasonal Succession in Antarctic Phytoplankton: Adaptations to Light and Temperature

拟议的研究将调查南极海洋浮游植物从寒冷黑暗的冬季到温暖明亮的春季的生理和生态转变的基因组基础。在帕尔默站，功能基因组学（使用下一代测序技术，以确定表达的基因）和原位荧光（FRRF）将与经典的生态方法相结合，调查光合适应浮游植物物种演替从冬末到春季。使用大型数据集，该项目将测试氨基酸的使用是否因表达而异。具体目标是（1）表征浮游植物从冬季到春季过渡的演替，（2）将群落基因表达谱与分类群之间的适应性差异相关联。 更广泛的影响包括培训一名博士后研究员和两名本科理科专业，并努力吸引来自代表性不足群体的学生。 PI还将为公众准备演讲，介绍研究经验，研究结果和气候变化的重要性。

The proposed research will investigate the genomic basis of the physiological and ecological transition of Antarctic marine phytoplankton from a cold dark winter to a warmer, brighter spring. During a field season at Palmer Station, functional genomics (using next generation sequencing technology to identify expressed genes) and in situ fluorometry (FRRF) will be integrated with classical ecological methods to investigate photosynthetic adaptation during phytoplankton species succession from late winter into spring. Using large data sets, this project will test whether amino acid usages differ based on expression. The specific objectives are (1) To characterize phytoplankton succession from the winter to spring transition, and (2) To correlate community gene expression profiles to adaptational differences among taxa. Broader impacts include training of a post doctoral researcher and two undergraduate science majors, with efforts to attract students from underrepresented groups. The P.I.s also will prepare presentations for the public, regarding research experiences, research results, and the importance of climate change.