Bacteria play key roles in Earth’s food chain dynamics and biogeochemistry. The factors that control their growth directly impact global processes. The open ocean cyanobacteria studied in my laboratory, including species of Synechococcus, Trichodesmium, and Crocosphaera, are prominent constituents of the marine biosphere that account for a significant percentage of global primary productivity. Additionally, the warm water diazotrophic cyanobacteria (i.e., Trichodesmium and Crocosphaera) are vital components the global nitrogen cycle through their production of “new” nitrogen. One major scientific focus in my lab is the physiology and ecology of these marine and some freshwater cyanobacteria with particular emphasis on characterizing the mechanisms they use to acquire the essential element iron (Fe) from the environment. Since in many cases the nutrient constraining their growth and productivity in situ is d?ifficult to define, I am also developing molecular diagnostics of nutrient limitation that can be implemented in the field.
Although these microorganisms are environmentally significant, relatively little is known about their metabolic capabilities at the molecular level in the laboratory and in the field. By studying their physiology using biochemical, genetic, proteomic, and genomic techniques, we will gain new insights into the factors that limit their growth in situ and greatly increase our understanding of how their metabolic capabilities impact global processes and ecosystem health.
Bacteria play key roles in Earth’s food chain dynamics and biogeochemistry. The factors that control their growth directly impact global processes. The open ocean cyanobacteria studied in my laboratory, including species of Synechococcus, Trichodesmium, and Crocosphaera, are prominent constituents of the marine biosphere that account for a significant percentage of global primary productivity. Additionally, the warm water diazotrophic cyanobacteria (i.e., Trichodesmium and Crocosphaera) are vital components the global nitrogen cycle through their production of “new” nitrogen. One major scientific focus in my lab is the physiology and ecology of these marine and some freshwater cyanobacteria with particular emphasis on characterizing the mechanisms they use to acquire the essential element iron (Fe) from the environment. Since in many cases the nutrient constraining their growth and productivity in situ is d?ifficult to define, I am also developing molecular diagnostics of nutrient limitation that can be implemented in the field. 