Sack Lunch Seminar (SLS)

Abstract:
We are focused on the cell and molecular mechanisms that underpin the ecophysiology of marine protists. We are investigating ecologically and biogeochemically important phytoplankton including diatoms, dinoflagellates and coccolithophores. More recently we focused attention on behavior in marine microzooplankton, key consumers of primary production in surface waters. A central goal is to determine the ‘sensory toolkit’ they use to sense the environment and integrate biotic and abiotic cues at the microscale to elicit appropriate metabolic or behavioral responses. We are also actively investigating whether secondary metabolites, such as algal toxins, interfere with these mechanisms. Other projects include understanding the mechanism of calcification in coccolithophores, which are globally the most significant producers of marine biogenic calcite. Of particular interest is how coccolithophores maintain homeostatic balance, particularly pH, under a wide range in external conditions and internal metabolic states, and their physiological responses to changing surface ocean pH. Several examples of how we are using biophysics, molecular biology and high-resolution imaging to address these questions will be discussed.