Genetic and isotopic mapping of algae in Lake Michigan
By Maria Jose Castaneda Mercado
Miami University
AIP Project Dragonlfy Student
Biology in the Age of Technology- Bio 632 B
Overview
DNA + Isotopes + GIS?
What is the connection between isotopes, genetic material, and spatial information systems? Perhaps you are trying to figure out how they are related. It turns out that these tools are more connected than you might have imagined. Assume that you have a research project to conduct, and the objective is to obtain answers to your hypotheses through the use of different tools. If more tools are used, then the project will probably be complex due to the huge amount of data and information that may be involved. Nevertheless, you will also be able to make more statistical and biological inferences about why certain phenomena occur as a result of doing so, as well as be able to make a more thorough analysis. It is for this reason that tools, such as genetics, isotopes, and geographic information systems, can make it possible for us to more effectively gain information.
DNA has been found to be a powerful tool for studying ecological interactions. DNA analysis techniques used in modern times provide useful information about genetic variation between individuals in populations, and genetic variation within species, revealing the diversity of an ecosystem. Genetic diversity is imperative to conservation The use of molecular genetic markers reveals the genetic variation between individuals, populations and species, revealing the true potential of biodiversity present in an ecosystem.
The isotopic composition of different organisms is unique, and offers the possibility of tracing stable isotopes in nature. Stable isotopes are non-radioactive atoms of a given chemical element that remain the same throughout time without undergoing any changes to their composition. The elements carbon and nitrogen are the most important in aquatic environments, as they form the basis for the most significant biochemical processes occurring within these environments.
Remote sensing and GIS have been found to be useful tools in land use and environmental impact analysis. The traditional method of collecting data on environmental factors and biodiversity by sampling directly from the area has proven to be very time-consuming and expensive. The geographic information system (GIS) is a type of database that consists of a combination of geographic data, a set of software tools, and methods for managing, analyzing, and visualizing the data in those locations.
Why the importance of using these tools in studies in Lake Michigan in algae?
Among Chicago's important water bodies, Lake Michigan supplies water to the city's residents. Several areas of the Lake Michigan shoreline adjacent to Chicago have varied levels of environmental impact due to human activity (e.g., direct discharges into the lake, air pollution). Therefore, it is crucial that potential sites in Lake Michigan be analyzed. It is necessary to evaluate the area through ISOTOPIC AND GENETIC characterization to determine how much the coastal zone of the lake has been and is being affected.
Importance of algae in this type of studies
It might seem strange to some that algae represent the roots of food webs. However, they contain the potential to define the structure of the entire ecosystem, as algae are crucial to the functioning of the ecosystem. Since algae are an essential part of the aquatic environment, they provide nutrients to the ecosystem, make them the ideal organism to use as the source of genetic information about the area and for the generation of isotopic values to be able to map the area and ensure that the area holds an ecological significance.
Why integration is important?
Integral studies play an important role in conducting research, as they allow researchers to have a more in-depth understanding of the results. Through integrating various branches and tools into their studies, these researchers are promoting the collaboration between researchers, universities, institutions, and workplaces. Fortunately, the role played by a single institution is now archaic. For this reason, it is important that you emphasize the importance of implementing various techniques, tools, and methodologies in your work, as well as outsourcing experts, to ensure the work is as complete as possible.
It is essential to ensure that data sharing, integration, and annotation of experimental data are performed in a reproducible way before analyzing and interpreting the results.
How to obtain this data without collect samples in a site?
The easiest way to answer this question is through DATABASES! Here you can download the information available for any place, species or environmental variable. The number of databases available is huge, but we present to you the most representative of each one.
"Public biomedical databases, software tools for analyzing molecular and genomic data, and research in computational biology."
"Repository for stable isotope measurement data originating from any context, and to support easy location and access to this data by the research community."
"Open-source cross-platform desktop geographic information system (GIS) application that supports viewing, editing, printing, and analysis of geospatial data."
DATA BASES RESOURCES
Mapping our data sets
Now it's time to make our maps! ready?....
It's okay if you don't know how to download the information from databases and place it on a map. To begin with, on a Google map, you are going to start by entering some data, it could be anything from a coordinate or the temperature in your house, anything that helps you visualize some data in a certain area. In a sense, it's similar to how genetic and isotopic data are mapped. In case you don't have the raw data, we will download the information from the database and put it in some type of attribute table. Here, we will relate the data we have with some statistics. If you are interested, you can contact us and I can show you step by step how to complete the whole process as well as send you books, articles, and tutorials regarding how to go about it.
Collaborator BOTMAR
The Marine Botany Laboratory's group specializing in genetics will be sharing with us some information about the importance of algae in ecosystems and the relevance of using tools like isotopes, genetics and geographic information systems, in order for us to be able to understand biologically the role played by certain organisms.
Click here to read the interview
Related articles
Researchers involved in Lake Michigan
Groups and organizations present in Lake Michigan
Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District
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By Maria Jose Castaneda Mercado
Miami University
AIP Project Dragonlfy Student
Biology in the Age of Technology- Bio 632 B