Characterization of Fluorescent Proteins In Marine Organisms.

摘要

This project is directed at understanding the optical properties of coastal benthic communities in general, and in particular, coral reefs. Coral reefs have been a focus of study on fluorescent proteins and almost all corals examined to date contain one or more of these compounds. The role of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the ecology of marine organisms and the potential commercial utility of these, and other, fluorescent proteins is presently undergoing a renaissance of interest as more fluorescent proteins are identified in the marine environment. The scientific objectives of my project are: 1. to make comprehensive taxonomic collection of marine organisms in tropical, temperate, polar, and deep sea environments to examine various taxa for fluorescent proteins. 2. to understand the evolutionary relationship between fluorescent proteins of different taxa 3. to understand the function of fluorescent proteins in those taxa expressing them 4. to understand what environmental variables affect the expression of fluorescent proteins in those taxa expressing them.