Internal Seminar: Margaret Mars-Brisbin, PhD Student, Marine Biophysics Unit (Mitarai Unit)

Internal Seminar: Margeret Mars-Brisbin, PhD Student, Marine Biophysics Unit (Mitarai Unit). Language: English, no interpretation

Title:

Intracellular symbiont diversity in the Acantharea, single-celled marine microbial eukaryotes

Abstract:

Acantharians are abundant but mysterious single-celled marine plankton that host algal endosymbionts. DNA sequencing has revealed that the symbionts are from the Haptophyte genus Phaeocystis, which is a fascinating group of organisms. Phaeocystis can live as solitary flagellated cells or can form colonies, is common throughout the global ocean, and can form harmful algal blooms. At the internal seminar, I will discuss the intracellular diversity of acantharian symbionts, whether the symbiont community reflects the extracellular environmental community of Phaeocystis, and what this may mean in regards to the nature of this symbiotic relationship.

Refreshments will be served afterwards. Please bring a mug and we hope to see you there!