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Zev MS thesis_final.pdf (1.03 MB)

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Impact of simulated polar night on Antarctic mixotrophic and strict photoautotrophic phytoplankton

Cariani, Zev
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4564-8188
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1547204599969081

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Science, Miami University, Microbiology.
Phytoplankton in polar regions experience long periods of continuous darkness annually during the polar night. Due to difficulties in performing field work during this period, it is largely unknown how phytoplankton endure this extreme transition from 24-hour daylight in the fall to several months of total darkness in the austral winter. The primary goal of this study was to compare physiological and photosynthetic responses of several Antarctic phytoplankton of variable trophic abilities (pure photosynthetic vs. mixotrophic) to simulated polar night conditions, including the transition seasons before and after winter. Two distinct responses were observed to extended darkness: (1) strict photoautotrophs (Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-MDV and Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241) exhibited functional downregulation their photosynthetic processes in the winter, followed by a lag phase of several days during mimicked spring, and (2) mixotrophs (Isochrysis sp. MDV and Geminigera cryophila) maintained functional photosynthetic apparatus, increased heterotrophy through the winter, and exhibited immediate growth upon return to light incubation. These differing responses to mimicked polar night conditions could represent two different strategies for surviving the long period of darkness in the phytoplankton’s natural environment.
Rachael Morgan-Kiss, Dr. (Advisor)
Annette Bollmann, Dr. (Committee Member)
D.J. Ferguson, Dr. (Committee Member)
Mitchell Balish, Dr. (Committee Member)
74 p.
Aquatic Sciences; Microbiology; Molecular Biology; Plant Biology
Phytoplankton; algae; polar microbiology; McMurdo Dry Valleys; Photosynthesis; chlorophyll fluorescence analysis; polar night; Antarctic phytoplankton;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cariani, Z. (2019). Impact of simulated polar night on Antarctic mixotrophic and strict photoautotrophic phytoplankton [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1547204599969081

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cariani, Zev. Impact of simulated polar night on Antarctic mixotrophic and strict photoautotrophic phytoplankton. 2019. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1547204599969081.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cariani, Zev. "Impact of simulated polar night on Antarctic mixotrophic and strict photoautotrophic phytoplankton." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1547204599969081

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.