Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A30]

Presenter: Fathima Yusraah Zakir Ghouse

Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir

School: Springfield Technical Community College

Research Area: Biology

ABSTRACT

About half of the Earth’s oxygen is produced by marine phytoplankton which are mostly unicellular photosynthetic organisms. They are producers in marine food webs and play an essential role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean indicating their role in maintaining the global climate. Increasing ocean temperatures, due to global warming, have cellular level effects on them. Hence, it is important to understand their cellular responses. This study investigates the various ways in which rising ocean temperatures affect phytoplankton's cellular processes and stress responses. For this, a literature review of peer reviewed studies was retrieved through Google Scholar including experimental research examining thermal effects on phytoplankton physiology. The overall results show that while moderate temperature increases improved cellular activity and growth, temperatures above optimal ranges caused cellular stress responses, including decreased activity of components in Photosystem II and reduced ATP synthase expression suggesting the adverse effects of heat on mitochondrial function. Higher growth rates were seen in Emiliania huxleyi at moderately increased temperatures between 23°C and 28°C compared to a control temperature of 17°C. However changes in carbon metabolism, including higher activity of the glyoxylate cycle were observed associated with mitochondrial damage. Studies also revealed that cells prioritize quicker cell divisions and dedicate fewer resources to making proteins and RNA. Overall, the rising ocean temperatures negatively impact phytoplankton resulting in various cellular responses and may over time impact marine food webs and the ocean’s ability to absorb and store carbon.

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