| 1. |
- Anderson, D M, et al.
(författare)
-
Community assembly and seasonal succession of marine dinoflagellates in a temperate estuary: The importance of life cycle events
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Limnology and Oceanography. - 1939-5590. ; 51:2, s. 860-873
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dinoflagellate successional strategies and community structure were investigated in Perch Pond, a temperate estuary on the North American east coast by field surveys as well as laboratory investigations on growth rates, cyst maturation period, and cyst germination temperature thresholds. The dominant species were those predicted by the Smayda and Reynolds Rules of Assembly life form model. Three successional strategies were characterized: (1) holoplanktonic, (2) meroplanktonic (i.e., germinated from cysts), and (3) introduced by advection. The seasonal succession of the meroplanktonic dinoflagellates that were studied reflects the differential lengths of their mandatory dormancy periods as well as differences in their temperature thresholds or "windows" for germination. The holoplanktonic species present at low densities year-round in Perch Pond had a wide temperature tolerance for growth and thus did not need a cyst stage to survive seasonal extremes. Another non-cyst-forming species relied solely on advection to inoculate the salt pond; thus, blooms in successive years would be expected to be more stochastic in nature than for the other two strategies. The timing of cyst formation and population decline for meroplanktonic species corresponded on several occasions to an increase in grazers, suggesting that grazing might have contributed to bloom decline from cyst formation. This timing also suggests the possibility of encystment as a predator avoidance strategy. We suggest that seasonal succession of cyst-forming dinoflagellates is not stochastic. Instead, the appearance of these species in the plankton is predictable on the basis of measurable physiological responses to both endogenous and exogenous factors that they experience during dormancy and quiescence.
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
- Brutemark, A, et al.
(författare)
-
An experimental investigation of phytoplankton nutrient limitation in two contrasting low arctic lakes
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Polar Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1432-2056 .- 0722-4060. ; 29:6, s. 487-494
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We investigated whether phytoplankton communities in two lakes in SW Greenland were phosphorus or nitrogen limited. The study lakes have contrasting water chemistry (mean conductivities differ ten fold) and are located near Kangerlussuaq, SW Greenland (similar to 67 degrees N, 51 degrees W). A microcosm nutrient enrichment experiment was performed in June 2003 to determine whether nitrate or phosphate addition stimulated phytoplankton growth. Samples were analysed for species composition, biomass, and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA). Initially, both lakes had extremely low total phosphorus but high total nitrogen concentrations and high APA, suggesting that the phytoplankton were phosphorus limited prior to the start of the experiment. The phytoplankton composition and biomass (mainly Ochromonas spp.) responded to phosphate but not to nitrate addition. In both lakes, chlorophyll a increased significantly when phosphate was added. Furthermore, APA was significantly lower in the two lakes when phosphate was added compared to the control and the nitrogen addition treatment. The dominance of mixotrophic pbytoplankton and high DOC values suggest that these lakes may be regulated by microbial loop processes.
|
|
| 4. |
- Figueroa, R I, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of parental factors and meiosis on sexual offspring of Gymnodinium nolleri (Dinophyceae).
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Journal of Phycology. - : Wiley. - 0022-3646 .- 1529-8817. ; 42:2, s. 350-362
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Clonal strains of the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium nolleri Ellegaard and Moestrup were intercrossed to determine if cyst-related traits are genetically regulated and to clarify unknown aspects in the sexuality of this species. The objectives were to determine whether the parental identity influenced the physiological and morphological aspects of the cyst offspring, and to describe and compare nuclear development and cell division of encysting and non-encysting zygotes. Variables characteristic of each parental cross (difference in growth rates among parents, cyst production (CP), and genetic distance (GD) among parents assessed via an amplified fragment length analysis analysis) were studied to seek for possible relationships of the parental crosses with some characteristics of the cyst offspring (cyst size, length of dormancy period, germination success, and germling viability (V)). A principal component analysis using these variables showed three main results: (1) the dormancy period of cysts responded to a simple pattern of inheritance, (2) the larger the GD between parents, the smaller the CP, and progeny V, and (3) the size of cysts was influenced by both CP and the parental strain identity. A stable inheritance of the short dormancy period (14.6±5.5 days), dominant over medium (31.0±8.5 days) and long periods (52.7±9.2 days), was confirmed through two subsequent generations of cysts. The regulation of the sexual processes by a multiple loci system is discussed based on the pattern of inheritance of the dormancy period and the number of sexual recombination events recorded within cultures with self-CP capability. Fusion of the gamete nuclei happened 0–48 h after the total cytoplasmic fusion. The nucleus of the zygote was bilobed and had thick and distinct chromosomes. Similar processes of nuclear and cell division occurred in the non-encysting or encysting planozygote, and were characterized by the loss of the chromosomal structure, an apparent increase of the DNA content, and the formation of thinner chromosomes.
|
|
| 5. |
- Figueroa, Rosa, et al.
(författare)
-
Life cyle and sexuality of the freshwater raphidophyte Gonyostomum semen (Raphidophyceae)
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Journal of Phycology. - : Wiley. - 0022-3646 .- 1529-8817. ; 42:4, s. 859-871
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Previously unknown aspects in the life cycle of the freshwater flagellate Gonyostomum semen (Ehrenb.) (Raphidophyceae) are described here. This species forms intense blooms in many northern temperate lakes, and has increased in abundance and frequency in northern Europe during the past decades. The proposed life cycle is based on observations of life cycle stages and transitions in cultures. Viable stages of the life cycle were individually isolated and monitored by time-lapse photography. The most common processes undertaken by the isolated cells were: division, fusion followed by division, asexual cyst formation, and sexual cyst formation. Motile cells divided by two different processes. One lasted between 6 and 24 h and formed two cells with vegetative cell size and with or without the same shape. The second division process lasted between 10 and 20 min and formed two identical cells, half the size of the mother cell. Planozygotes formed by the fusion of hologametes subsequently underwent division into two cells. Asexual cyst-like stages were spherical, devoid of a thick wall and red spot, and germinated in 24-48 h. Heterogamete pairs were isogamous, and formed an angle of 0-90 degrees between each other. Planozygote and sexual cyst formation were identified within strains established from one vegetative cell. The identity of these strains, which was studied by an amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis, was correlated with the viability of the planozygote. Resting cyst germination was described using cysts collected in the field. The size and morphology of these cysts were comparable with those formed sexually in culture. The excystment rate was higher at 24 degrees C than at 19 or 16 degrees C, although the cell liberated during germination (germling) was only viable at 16 degrees C. The placement of G. semen within the Raphidophyceae family was confirmed by sequence analysis of a segment of the 18S ribosomal DNA.
|
|
| 6. |
- Gustafsson, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
-
Increased consumer fitness following transfer of toxin tolerance to offspring via maternal effects
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Ecology. - : Wiley. - 0012-9658. ; 86:10, s. 2561-2567
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Adaptations and, counteradaptations are common in coevolving predatorprey systems, but little is known of the role of maternal transfer of adaptive traits in mediating species interactions. Here, we focused on tolerance against cyanobacterial toxins and asked whether this tolerance was an induced defense developed during Daphnia's lifetime, whether it was a trait that is constantly expressed, and whether such tolerance to the toxin can be transferred to the next generation through maternal effects. These questions were addressed by feeding a single clone of Daphnia magna a diet with and without algal toxin and recording changes in fitness (as intrinsic rate of population increase). Analysis of F1, F2, and F3 generations revealed that the increased tolerance to toxic Microcystis was an inducible defense developed during an individual's lifetime, and that this trait could be transferred from mother to offspring. This maternal effect was expressed in several fitness parameters, including shorter time to maturity and first reproduction, and higher numbers of offspring compared to inexperienced individuals. In some circumstances, such maternal effects may increase population production by up to 40% and may help to stabilize material and energy transfer to higher trophic levels.
|
|
| 7. |
- Gustafsson, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
-
On the control of HAB species using low biosurfactant concentrations
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Harmful Algae. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-1470 .- 1568-9883. ; 8, s. 857-863
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Biosurfactants have been suggested as a method to control harmful algal blooms (HABs), but warrant further and more in-depth investigation. Here we have investigated the algicidal effect of a biosurfactant produced by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa on five diverse marine and freshwater HAB species that have not been tested previously. These include Alexandrium minutum (Dinophycaee), Karenia brevis (Dinophyceae), Pseudonitzschia sp. (Bacillariophyceae), in marine ecosystems, and Gonyostomum semen (Raphidophyceae) and Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanophyecae) in freshwater. We examined not only lethal but also sub-lethal effects of the biosurfactant. In addition, the effect of the biosurfactant on Daphnia was tested. Our conclusions were that very low biosurfactant concentrations (5 μg mL−1) decreased both the photosynthesis efficiency and the cell viability and that higher concentrations (50 μg mL−1) had lethal effects in four of the five HAB species tested. The low concentrations employed in this study and the diversity of HAB genera tested suggest that biosurfactants may be used to either control initial algal blooms without causing negative side effect to the ecosystem, or to provoke lethal effects when necessary.
|
|
| 8. |
- Hansson, Lars-Anders, et al.
(författare)
-
Cyanobacterial chemical warfare alters zooplankton commuinty composition
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Freshwater Biology. - : Wiley. - 0046-5070 .- 1365-2427. ; 52:7, s. 1290-1301
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 1) Toxic algal blooms widely affect our use of water resources both with respect to drinking water and recreation. However, it is not only humans, but also organisms living in freshwater and marine ecosystems, that may be affected by algal toxins. 2) In order to assess if cyanobacterial toxins affect the composition of natural zooplankton communities, we quantified the temporal fluctuations in microcystin concentration and zooplankton community composition in six lakes. 3) Microcystin concentrations generally showed a bimodal pattern with peaks in early summer and in autumn, and total zooplankton biomass was negatively correlated with microcystin concentrations. Separating the zooplankton assemblages into finer taxonomic groups revealed that high microcystin concentrations were negatively correlated with Daphnia and calanoid copepods, but positively correlated with small, relatively inefficient phytoplankton feeders such as cyclopoid copepods, Bosmina and rotifers. 4) In a complementary, mechanistic laboratory experiment using the natural phytoplankton communities from the six lakes, we showed that changes in in situ levels of microcystin were coupled with reduced adult size and diminished juvenile biomass in Daphnia. 5) We argue that in eutrophic lakes, large unselective herbivores, such as Daphnia, are ”sandwiched” between high fish predation and toxic food (cyanobacteria). In combination, these two mechanisms may explain why the zooplankton community in eutrophic lakes is generally comprised of small forms (e.g. rotifers and Bosmina) and selective raptorial feeders, such as cyclopoid copepods, whereas large, unselective herbivores, such as Daphnia, are rare. Hence, this cyanobacterial chemical warfare against herbivores may add to our knowledge on population and community dynamics among zooplankton in eutrophic systems.
|
|
| 9. |
- Kremp, Anke, et al.
(författare)
-
Species-specific encystment patterns in three Baltic cold-water dinoflagellates: The role of multiple cues in resting cyst formation
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Limnology and Oceanography. - 1939-5590. ; 54:4, s. 1125-1138
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The relationships among cellular nutrient status, environmental conditions (temperature and nutrient availability), and cyst production were studied in batch cultures of three cold-water dinoflagellates (Scrippsiella hangoei, Gymnodinium corollarium, and Woloszynskia halophila) isolated from the Baltic Sea. We tested the effect of increasing temperature while providing nutrient-replete conditions as well as the effect of ambient nutrient (N, P) deficiency. The results revealed different encystment cues and patterns in the three species. While depletion of ambient nitrogen and subsequent internal N stress were the primary factors behind cyst production of G. corollarium, higher temperature led to substantial encystment of S. hangoei and W. halophila without a direct link to cellular nutrient physiology. In W. halophila, N limitation induced a transition of the population to small cells presumably representing gametes, but this process was not followed by cyst formation. Phosphorus stress was not directly linked to cyst formation in any of the species. Our data indicate that both reliable token cues (such as temperature) and ultimate causes (for example, nutrient depletion) for encystment are likely involved in the cystformation process. Such duality might provide an explanation for multiple triggers inducing encystment in laboratory settings and the lack of evidence for a direct relationship between nutrient depletion and cyst formation in the field.
|
|
| 10. |
- Leblond, J D, et al.
(författare)
-
Fatty acid and sterol composition of two evolutionarily closely related dinoflagellate morphospecies from cold Scandinavian brackish and freshwaters
- 2006
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Phycology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1469-4433 .- 0967-0262. ; 41:3, s. 303-311
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Little is known about the lipid composition of cold-adapted dinoflagellates. Here, we investigate Peridinium aciculiferum and Scrippsiella hangoei, two cold-adapted dinoflagellate morphospecies that present significant differences in general morphology, physiology and habitat, but which share identical ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences, indicating a recent evolutionary divergence between them. Despite their present taxonomic names, it is now known that these two genetically isolated morphospecies are evolutionarily related to the so-called Pfiesteria-like species. We have found that chloroplast-associated glycolipids from P. aciculiferum and S. hangoei contained a higher relative percentage of two polyunsaturated C-18 fatty acids (octadecapentaenoic [18:5(n-3)] and octadecatetraenoic [18:4(n-3)] acids), and a lower relative percentage of hexadecanoic acid (16:0) than typically observed in previously examined warm-adapted dinoflagellate species. This suggests that these two fatty acids provided the requisite membrane fluidity for chloroplasts under a cold growth condition in these two organisms. A similar increase in 18:5(n-3) and 18:4(n-3) over warm-adapted species was also found in the phospholipids and triglycerides. P. aciculiferum and S. hangoei were also examined for the production of unique sterols that may serve as chemical biomarkers. Both were found to have a very similar sterol composition, consisting of two common dinoflagellate sterols, cholestanol and dinostanol, as dominant sterols, along with a number of other common dinoflagellate sterols as minor sterols. This demonstrated the absence of a specific steroidal biomarker but, more importantly, showed that these two morphospecies still produce very similar sterols despite having diverged in several other traits.
|
|
