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Publication Date

2023-01-03

First Advisor

Rachel M. Wright

Second Advisor

Rob Dorit

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biological Sciences

Keywords

16S rRNA gene, coral, model organism, Exaiptasia, symbiosis, bacteria, microbial community

Abstract

Coral reef ecosystems support approximately a quarter of all marine life and provide numerous ecosystem services. Intensifying climate change has threatened coral reefs worldwide. In order to address this crisis, we must first understand the dynamics surrounding coral health and fitness. Exaiptasia diaphana is a popular model organism for exploring the symbiotic relationship observed between cnidarians and their microsymbionts. While physiological roles of algal photosymbionts (Symbiodinaceae) are well studied, the contributions of bacterial communities are less defined in this system. I investigated microbial variation between distinct parts of the body and symbiotic state across four genets held in identical environmental conditions using 16s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. I found differentially abundant taxa between body part and symbiotic state that highlight the roles these bacteria may play in holobiont heterotrophy and nutrient cycling. Beta-diversity analysis revealed distinct communities between symbiotic states consistent with previous studies; however, I did not observe the presence of previously reported core microbiota. I also found community differences across clonal lines, both compositionally and functionally, despite years of identical rearing conditions. These findings suggest the Exaiptasia bacterial microbiome is greatly influenced by host geneti cs and unpredictable environmental influences.

Rights

©2023 Ezra Curtis. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Comments

48 pages: color illustrations, charts. Includes bibliographical references (pages 35-48).

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