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

化学计量对捕食和竞争的影响：微生物实验模型的发展。James P. Grover德克萨斯大学阿灵顿本项目将研究微生物化学成分（“化学计量”）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大型微生物之间的关系。最近开发的这些过程的数学模拟模型将使用两种细菌物种和一种消费微生物的实验室培养物进行测试。一些具体的预测进行测试，包括建议，以减少营养物质的细胞内容表明有效的营养利用，并可以提高物种的竞争能力，建议消费者改变猎物物种之间的竞争结果，以及这种效果取决于化学成分的细节和加工和再循环的营养消费者的一部分。该项目将为研究生和本科生提供研究培训，包括从代表性不足的群体中招募的学生。它还将提供对自然界微生物丰度控制过程的见解，包括一些以细菌为食的“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.