Project II.2.3d: Characterizing communities - Phytoplankton/protist genetic markers
Project Name: II.2.3d Characterizing communities - Phytoplankton/protist genetic markers
Project Leads: Tawnya Peterson and Peter Zuber
Project Description
The project is undertaken to identify distinguishing genetic markers for the detection of eukaryotic microbial species, including diatoms, dinoflagellates, ciliates, other protists, and harmful algae. Cultures of members of these groups will be grown under controlled conditions and nucleic acid will be extracted. The DNA encoding the 18S, 28S, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) will be sequenced and analyzed to uncover unique nucleotide sequences that can be used for species detection within a microarray format. Other genes will also be analyzed such as eEF-2 or actin.
Fit in program
The study aims to produce means by which to characterize microbial diversity and will be applied to field studies centered around high gradient regions (temporal and spatial). The work will be done in collaboration with the Needoba group and by graduate student Peter Kahn. Lydie Herfort (representing the Myrionecta group) will also participate.
Outcomes
Nucleic acid probes for microarray construction, and subsequent use of sequences to detect distribution of specific groups of organisms.
