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。在帕尔默站的一个野外季节，功能基因组学（使用下一代测序技术鉴定表达基因）和原位荧光测定法（FRRF）将与经典生态学方法相结合，研究浮游植物物种从冬末到春季演替过程中的光合适应。使用大型数据集，该项目将测试氨基酸的用法是否因表达不同而不同。具体目标是：(1)表征浮游植物从冬季到春季过渡的演替特征；(2)将群落基因表达谱与分类群之间的适应差异联系起来。更广泛的影响包括培养一名博士后研究员和两名本科理科专业学生，并努力吸引来自代表性不足群体的学生。私家侦探还将为公众准备有关研究经验、研究成果和气候变化重要性的报告。

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.