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An Aquatic Microbial Metaproteomics Workflow: From Cells to Tryptic Peptides Suitable for Tandem Mass Spectrometry-based Analysis
Published on: September 15, 2015
Exploring ocean biogeochemistry by single-cell microprobe analysis of protist elemental composition
Benjamin S Twining1, Stephen B Baines, Stefan Vogt
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. benjamin.twining@sc.edu
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|May 8, 2008
Summary
Single-cell elemental analysis reveals crucial differences in marine protist nutrient quotas, impacting ocean biogeochemical cycles. These findings highlight the importance of individual cell studies for understanding elemental interactions in marine ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Biogeochemistry
- Cellular stoichiometry
Background:
- Oceanic biogeochemical cycles are interconnected through protist elemental uptake.
- Bulk analysis methods obscure the distinct roles of diverse protist functional groups.
- Accurate cellular element stoichiometry is vital for understanding elemental interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advanced microprobe techniques for elemental analysis of individual protist cells.
- To assess the application of these techniques to natural marine communities.
- To elucidate the implications of single-cell stoichiometry for ocean biogeochemistry.
Main Methods:
- Electron microprobe analysis
- Proton microprobe analysis
- Synchrotron X-ray microprobe analysis
- Single-cell elemental analysis of natural plankton communities
Main Results:
- Significant inter-taxa variations in phosphorus, iron, and nickel quotas were identified.
- Differential responses of autotrophs and heterotrophs to iron fertilization were observed.
- Sub-cellular mapping revealed iron's role in photosynthesis and zinc's role in nuclear organelles.
- Changes in diatom silicification and cytoplasm content post-iron fertilization were documented.
Conclusions:
- Single-cell analysis provides a more nuanced understanding of elemental stoichiometry in marine protists.
- These methods are crucial for deciphering the impact of nutrient availability on plankton.
- Studying ocean biogeochemistry at the single-cell level offers significant advantages over bulk analyses.
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