Deep Dive: Marine Biogeochemistry with Julia Diaz

Summary

This video explores cutting-edge oceanographic research focused on marine phosphorus cycling, trace element geochemistry, and phytoplankton biology. Researchers at Scripps are working on projects involving phosphorus metabolism, metal demands, and protein localization in phytoplankton, particularly diatoms. Through collaborations with programs like CCE LTER and CALCOFI, they aim to expand understanding of the dissolved organic portion of the phosphorus cycle. The team also utilizes advanced molecular and geochemical techniques, including fluorescent tagging and confocal microscopy, to study the role of phytoplankton in marine ecosystems, shedding light on their broader ecological and geochemical interactions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Collaboration with CCE LTER and CAL COFFEE programs to study phosphorus cycling in marine ecosystems.
• 😀 Focus on expanding research to include the dissolved organic portion of the marine phosphorus cycle.
• 😀 Long-term data on phosphate cycling from the CCE LTER and CAL COFFEE programs informs new research directions.
• 😀 Exploring the link between phosphorus metabolism and metal demands through collaborations with Kathy Barbeau's trace element geochemistry group.
• 😀 Research on phytoplankton's reactive oxygen species (ROS) production pathways, specifically focusing on diatoms.
• 😀 Use of high-resolution confocal fluorescence microscopy to study protein localization in diatoms involved in ROS production.
• 😀 Tagging key enzymes with fluorescent labels to track their location within phytoplankton cells, enhancing the understanding of their metabolic processes.
• 😀 Integration of molecular and geochemical techniques to gain new insights into the phytoplankton ecosystem.
• 😀 The research shifts the focus from studying phytoplankton solely for their oxygen production to understanding their role in the geochemical processes of the ecosystem.
• 😀 The work emphasizes how phytoplankton interact with other elements in the ecosystem and contribute to broader geochemical cycles.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the research discussed in the transcript?

The research focuses on understanding the role of phytoplankton in marine ecosystems, particularly in relation to phosphorus cycling, metal demands, and their interactions within the ecosystem on a geochemical basis.

How does the research tie into the CCE LTER and CalCOFI programs?

The research is working to integrate phosphorus cycling studies with these ongoing programs, focusing on both the dissolved inorganic and organic components of phosphorus in the marine environment.

What aspect of the phosphorus cycle is being newly explored in this research?

The research is adding a new perspective by focusing on the dissolved organic portion of the marine phosphorus cycle, in addition to the traditional measurements of phosphate.

What collaboration is being explored with Kathy Barbeau's trace element geochemistry group?

The collaboration explores the link between phosphorus metabolism and metal demands in phytoplankton, with a particular focus on how trace elements affect phosphorus cycling.

What is the significance of studying the localization of proteins in diatoms?

Studying the localization of proteins involved in the superoxide production pathway in diatoms helps to understand how these organisms interact with their environment, particularly in relation to oxidative stress and metal metabolism.

How are fluorescent labels used in this research?

Fluorescent labels are used to tag specific enzymes involved in superoxide production in diatoms. This allows researchers to track protein localization within live cells using advanced microscopy techniques.

What microscopy technique is being used to study protein localization?

High-resolution confocal fluorescence microscopy is being used to study the localization of tagged proteins in live diatom cells.

What does the collaboration with Martin Triskaris's group focus on?

The collaboration with Martin Triskaris's group focuses on investigating the localization of proteins involved in the phytoplankton reactive oxygen species (ROS) production pathway.

Why is it important to study phytoplankton beyond their role in oxygen production?

Studying phytoplankton beyond oxygen production allows researchers to understand their broader ecological roles, particularly how they influence geochemical cycles and interact with other components of the marine ecosystem.

What molecular techniques are being used in this research?

The research uses a variety of molecular techniques, including fluorescent tagging of proteins, genome editing to create mutant diatom cell lines, and high-resolution microscopy to visualize protein localization and interactions in live cells.