Molecular diversity and ecology of chromophytic phytoplankton from Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem

Samanta, Brajogopal (2016) Molecular diversity and ecology of chromophytic phytoplankton from Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem. PhD thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

PDF (Ph. D. thesis of Brajogopal Samanta (11RS003)) Samanta-Brajogopal_-PhD_Thesis.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (9MB)

Abstract

In this thesis work, diversity and ecology of chromophytic phytoplankton has been explored from Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem. Analysis of diversity of chromophytic phytoplankton assemblages resulted in the detection of six taxonomic classes (Bacillariophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Haptophyceae, Pelagophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae, and Raphidophyceae) based on form ID rbcL sequencing and phylogeny. A comprehensive framework of functional diversity patterns of marine chromophytic phytoplankton has been undertaken using robust bioinformatics and deep phylogenetic analyses based on form ID rbcL gene as a molecular phylogenetic marker. A new species of diatom from Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem, Thalassiosira sundarbana, was described based on morphology along with molecular phylogeny. Genome information of Thalassiosira sundarbana has provided several fundamental adaptive strategies which were not reported in marine counterparts including in T. pseudonana and T. oceanica. Nitrogen sources, silicate and phosphate are the major nutrients that affect diatom growth, metabolism and their contribution to ecosystem processes. Overall, the thesis work provided a comprehensive diversity of chromophytic phytoplankton from Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem as well as the current scenario of uncultured chromophytic phytoplankton diversity globally. One of the outcomes of this thesis is culture establishment of a new estuarine diatom species i.e., Thalassiosira sundarbana from Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem. The genome level information of T. sundarbana has provided new insights on ecophysiological advantages of this species with respect to Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem.

Actions (login required)

View Item