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The secret life of algae
January 12, 2006A fundamental process that has puzzled researchers for many years has been explained by UK scientists. Some simple plants that are crucial in maintaining the balance of carbon in the Earth's atmosphere require vitamin B12 to grow properly but it has been a mystery to scientists why some types needed external sources and others did not. Now researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Kent have discovered that half of all algae have a dependent but beneficial relationship with bacteria that make the vitamin for them.
The researchers, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), found that no algae have the necessary genes to produce vitamin B12. Those that do not require a supply are like higher plants; they have an alternative metabolic process that does not need the vitamin. However, algae that need vitamin B12 cannot make it themselves and must get it from somewhere else.
The scientists realised that the amount of vitamin B12 required to grow the types of algae that do need the vitamin in the laboratory is much higher than natural levels in the seas and rivers. They discovered that in the natural environment were bacteria that could supply the necessary vitamin B12 the algae needed. However, the relationship between the bacteria and algae was not one-way. The scientists found that the algae supported the bacteria by providing them with carbon from their own photosynthesis.
Dr Alison Smith, one of the research leaders at the University of Cambridge, said, "What these observations demonstrate is that, although algae live by harvesting the sun's energy through photosynthesis, many of them are like animals in that they need another organism to supply them with a vital nutrient. This has implications for how we consider the ecosystems in the world's oceans."
Professor Julia Goodfellow, BBSRC Chief Executive, said, "Algae fix around half of the world's carbon so it is vital that we can understand what affects their growth and wellbeing. Research into fundamental relationships and microscopic bacteria may not seem important at first but it is only by improving our understanding at this level that we can discover how to maintain the health of ecosystems at a global level."
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Dr Alison Smith, one of the research leaders at the University of Cambridge, said, "What these observations demonstrate is that, although algae live by harvesting the sun's energy through photosynthesis, many of them are like animals in that they need another organism to supply them with a vital nutrient. This has implications for how we consider the ecosystems in the world's oceans."
Professor Julia Goodfellow, BBSRC Chief Executive, said, "Algae fix around half of the world's carbon so it is vital that we can understand what affects their growth and wellbeing. Research into fundamental relationships and microscopic bacteria may not seem important at first but it is only by improving our understanding at this level that we can discover how to maintain the health of ecosystems at a global level."
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Algae Current Events and Algae News RSSCalifornia Academy of Sciences becomes first aquarium in US to breed dwarf cuttlefish
Anchored to an algae-covered rock in a 120-gallon tank at the California Academy of Sciences' Steinhart Aquarium, a cluster of inky-colored cuttlefish eggs is beginning to swell-evidence of success for the Academy's new captive breeding program for dwarf cuttlefish, Sepia bandensis.
UT Knoxville and ORNL researchers turn algae into high-temperature hydrogen source
In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits of not using petroleum to power vehicles.
Newly Discovered Fat Molecule: An Undersea Killer with an Upside
A chemical culprit responsible for the rapid, mysterious death of phytoplankton in the North Atlantic Ocean has been found by collaborating scientists at Rutgers University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). This same chemical may hold unexpected promise in cancer research.
DNA barcodes: Creative new uses span health, fraud, smuggling, history, more
The scientific ability to quickly and accurately identify species through DNA "barcoding" is being embraced and applied by a growing legion of global authorities - from medical and agricultural researchers to police and customs authorities to palaeontologists and others.
Robot fish could monitor water quality
Nature inspires technology for an engineer and an ecologist teamed up at Michigan State University. They're developing robots that use advanced materials to swim like fish to probe underwater environments.
Arctic Sediments Show That 20th Century Warming Is Unlike Natural Variation
The possibility that climate change might simply be a natural variation like others that have occurred throughout geologic time is dimming, according to evidence in a Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences paper published today.
The white stuff: Marine lab team seeks to understand coral bleaching
With technology similar to that used by physicians to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, researchers from six institutions-including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-working at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) in Charleston, S.C., are studying the metabolic activity of a pathogen shown to cause coral bleaching, a serious threat to undersea reef ecosystems worldwide.
Sensor biochips could aid in cancer diagnosis and treatment
It is very difficult to predict whether a cancer drug will help an individual patient: only around one third of drugs will work directly in a given patient.
Queen's scientists on international team discover 'ecologically unique' changes in Arctic lake
Queen's University biologists are part of an international research team whose discovery of a rare sediment core in a remote Arctic lake provides compelling evidence of unprecedented environmental changes occurring over the past few decades.
Clemson researchers say algae key to mass extinctionss
Algae, not asteroids, were the key to the end of the dinosaurs, say two Clemson University researchers. Geologist James W. Castle and ecotoxicologist John H. Rodgers have published findings that toxin producing algae were a deadly factor in mass extinctions millions of years ago.
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Algae (2nd Edition) by James E. Graham (Author), Lee W. Wilcox (Author), Linda E. Graham (Author) The foremost textbook and reference for studying Phycology, Algae, Second Edition features hundreds of new illustrations, a new chapter on terrestrial algae, and thorough updates that reflect new classification structures. With an emphasis on algae ecology and molecular biology, the authors focus on what students really want to know about algae–why they are so diverse; how they are related; how to distinguish the major types; their roles in food webs; global biogeochemical cycling; the formation of harmful algae blooms; and how we utilize them. The text also provides a broad coverage of freshwater, marine, and terrestrial algae. Introduction to the Algae—Occurrence, Relationships, Nutrition, Definition, General Features, The Roles of Algae in... |
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Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series) by Julian Sprung (Author) Under specific conditions just about any seaweed, turf alga, phytoplankton or cyanobacteria can bloom and become "problematic." In this book Julian Sprung focuses on the varieties of algae that commonly do so in aquariums. He identifies them with Latin and common names, photographs of their gross morphology and photographs taken under the microscope that depict important identifying features. The author gives an extensive set of recommendations for ways to control the growth of each alga through a combination of aquarium husbandry practices and the use of specific herbivores. At some point every aquarist encounters a problem with algae. Solving the problems and controlling the algae can be a real test of ones patience and skill. If you are about to give up your hobby because your... |
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Source Naturals Blue-Green Algae 500mg, 200 tablets by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. From Klamath Lake. Source Natural Blue-Green Algae is windcrafted and harvested in the prime upper regions of Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and is of the highest quality available. Its name comes from the color pigments it contains, phycocyanin, which is blue, and chlorophyll, which is green. Blue-Green Algae also contains significant levels of vitamins, minerals and rich pigment nutrients. Suitable for vegetarians and Hypoallergenic: Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. |
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Tetra AlgaeControl, 1.69 oz., 50 ml by United Pet Group Tetra Algae Control™ liquid is highly effective against green water (algae blooms) as well as algae types that grow on the glass and decor. And it¿s safe for planted aquariums. |
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Green Algae Strategy: End Oil Imports And Engineer Sustainable Food And Fuel (Volume 1) by Mark Edwards (Author) The oldest, tiniest yet fastest growing plant on Earth promises to provide sufficient energy to displace oil imports and yield nutritious and affordable food and clean, carbon neutral biofuel. |
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Algae: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology by Laura Barsanti (Author), Paolo Gualtieri (Author) An exhaustive review on all things algae would require a multi-volume encyclopedic work. Even then, such a tome would prove to be of limited value, as in addition to being quite complex, it would soon be outdated, as the field of phycology is full of continual revelations and new discoveries. Algae: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology offers students and researchers in phycology a more practical and useful approach. Instead of trying to offer a little bit of everything, the authors concentrate on highlighting especially interesting and illuminating topics, with the idea of inciting the sort of wonder and curiosity in undergraduate and post-graduate students that will encourage further outstanding work. The chapters can be read in progression to provide structure to a... |
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Algae (Anabaena) Aquatics Plush by Giant Microbes GIANTmicrobes are fun and educationala great way to learn about various health topics and the microscopic critters that are found in and around us. Each microbe character is 5-7 in size--over a million times their actual size! Perfect for teachers, parents and budding scientiststhey also make humorous gifts. Each microbe comes with an information tag including scientific name, an image of the actual microbe, and a mini history and science lesson. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Our products are made by top manufacturers who care about toy safety, quality and value. Your order will ship factory fresh directly from our warehouse to your door. We carefully inspect and beautifully package every order before shipment to ensure that you receive high quality products that are... |
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Naked Toes on Algae-Covered Skipping Stones by Spencer L. Casey We stand for a moment, precarious on this earth, a wish for uncommon sense, explosions of mirth and more love than our hearts can possibly hold.Kindle blogs are fully downloaded onto your Kindle so you can read them even when you're not wirelessly connected. And unlike RSS readers which often only provide headlines, blogs on Kindle give you full text content and images, and are updated wirelessly throughout the day. | |
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Algaefix - 2.5 Gallon by MARS FISHCARE NORTH AMERICA * Effectively controls many types of green or green water algae, string or hair algae and blanket weed in ponds that contain live plants * Controls existing algae and helps resolve additional algae blooms * Keeps ornamental ponds and water gardens clean and clear * E.P.A. registration #8709-8 * Can be used in ponds with plants * 2.5 gallon |
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Science NOW 2009: Episode 6: Algae Fuel Starring: Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson Directed By: Josh Rosen The award-winning producers of NOVA--and renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson--bring you the very latest in cutting-edge science with NOVA scienceNOW. This episode of NOVA scienceNOW covers: The Science of Picky Eaters, Capturing Carbon, Smart Sea Lions and Talking Walruses, and Profile--Sangeeta Bhatia. |
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