Sangam: A Confluence of Knowledge Streams

A Metabolic Lens on Phytoplankton Physiology

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dc.contributor Kujawinski, Elizabeth B.
dc.contributor Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
dc.creator McLean, Craig
dc.date 2022-02-07T15:20:09Z
dc.date 2022-02-07T15:20:09Z
dc.date 2021-09
dc.date 2021-10-19T13:40:37.135Z
dc.date.accessioned 2023-03-01T07:21:43Z
dc.date.available 2023-03-01T07:21:43Z
dc.identifier https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/140034
dc.identifier.uri http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/CUHPOERS/275751
dc.description Phytoplankton are communities of diverse groups of prokaryotic and eukaryotic single-celled organisms responsible for nearly 50% of global primary production. The relative abundance of individual groups changes dynamically in response to environmental perturbations. Recent studies suggest that such changes are primarily driven by the distinct physiological responses employed by each group towards a particular perturbation. Although knowledge of some of these responses has come to light in recent years, many aspects of their metabolisms remain unknown. We attempt to address this gap by studying the metabolism of several phytoplankton groups using metabolomics. Firstly, we developed a method to enhance the analysis of untargeted metabolomics data. Secondly, we constructed two conceptual models describing how metabolism of the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo responds to phosphorus and nitrogen stress. These conceptual models revealed several new stress response mechanisms not previously reported in other phytoplankton. Finally, we compared the metabolic changes of several distinct phytoplankton groups to uncover possible adaptation and acclimations that distinguish them. This analysis revealed several pathways and metabolites that represent the studied groups. The contributions of these pathways and metabolites towards physiology may support the ecological fitness of these organisms.
dc.description Ph.D.
dc.format application/pdf
dc.publisher Massachusetts Institute of Technology
dc.rights In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
dc.rights Copyright retained by author(s)
dc.rights https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/
dc.title A Metabolic Lens on Phytoplankton Physiology
dc.type Thesis


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