R/CBT-23

Metallothioneins in marine coccoid cyanobacteria; cloning, transcriptional analyses and application to assessment of metal stress in natural communities of picoplankton in Chesapeake Bay

Principal Investigator:

Jonathan G. Kramer

Start/End Year:

1994 - 1997

Institution:

Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute

Topic(s):

Ecosystems and Restoration

Description:

The objective of this program is to assess the extent and degree that metals impact the picoplankton in Chesapeake Bay and selected tributaries. This objective includes isolation and cloning of the gene encoding metallothionein (MY) from representative marine cyanobacteria (Synechococcus spp.). The cloned genes will be used as probes to examine variations in transcription rates in natural populations isolated from the lower Bay, Elizabeth River and James River. The goal of this program is to apply the newest molecular biological techniques to the problem of determining how metal stress impacts the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Program Announcements

Knauss legislative fellowships in Congress help build careers — and they're fun and educational. See our video and fact sheet for details.
Maryland Sea Grant has program development funds for start-up efforts, graduate student research, or strategic support for emerging areas of research. Apply here.

News and Blogs

April 5, 2024

Applying New Skills for National Science Collaboration

March 25, 2024

A Place for Creativity in Science Writing

March 12, 2024

Maryland Sea Grant Funds Five New Research Projects

Video Gallery

Sea Grant Film Explores a Diminishing Smithville

Smithville is a community on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, on the edge of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. A century ago, Smithville had more than 100 residents. Today, it has four, in two homes: an elderly couple, and one elderly woman and her son, who cares for her.

Featured Fellow

Leone Yisrael

Leone Yisrael is a cephalopod-loving scuba diver, cook, and loves to try new activities. She conducts genetic analysis and fieldwork at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center through the Coastal Disease Ecology Lab.

Exploring the Use of Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells to Remove Sulfide While Harvesting Energy from Oyster Aquaculture Biodeposits

Oyster aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry in Maryland’s Chesapeake waters which stimulates economic activity and may provide a host of ecosystem benefits. A potential concern associated with the intensification of the oyster aquaculture is the local production and accumulation of oyster biodeposits, which can lead to a porewater sulfide accumulation and declining bioturbation, symptoms of declining ecosystem function. Sulfide is naturally removed from the seafloor by the interactions between bioturbating infauna and sulfide oxidizing bacteria.

The Blue Crab: Callinectes Sapidus

An essential resource for researchers, students, and managers. Get your copy today!