Title: How do photosynthetic algae respond to increases in CO2 concentrations?

Background
Life on our planet as we know it is entirely dependent on one fundamental chemical reaction: photosynthesis, the fixation of inorganic carbon as organic matter by "primary producers" (plants, algae). Photosynthetic organisms had a major impact on the biosphere, since they first appeared on earth (about 3 billion years ago). They depleted the atmosphere of CO2, released large amounts of O2 and formed the atmosphere which we now call "normal". Plants and algae continue to affect the composition of our atmosphere. Recent studies have shown that they take up an considerable amount of the anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

Purpose
To understand present and predict future climates it is important to find out more about the mechanisms that influence growth of photosynthetic organisms. Algae play a major role in the global carbon cycle. Roughly three quarters of our planet is covered by water and the cells are able to grow at a rapid speed (one doubling per day). Knowledge about algae helps us to understand the role of the oceans in the greenhouse earth.

Research Objectives
In this project we want to take a closer look at photosynthesis of an oceanic algae. The participants will get a hands on experience culturing a diatom, Thalassiosira weissflogii, under varying conditions in the laboratory. They are going to examine various factors that influence the growth of this algae (e.g. availability of nutrients). Additionally, they will investigate how the metabolism of the cells changes with the environmental conditions.

Educational and Scientific Impact
The experiments are designed to make participants familiar with basic laboratory techniques for culturing microorganisms. By focusing on a simple single celled algae they are made aware a wide variety of information that can be collected in laboratory setups. Through a combination of experiments, presentations and discussions they are introduced to recent findings in climate research.

Readings and References:

Background information about photosynthesis:
http://photoscience.la.asu.edu/photosyn/education/learn.html
http://www.life.uiuc.edu/govindjee/paper/gov.html
http://gened.emc.maricopa.edu/bio/bio181/BIOBK/BioBookPS.html
http://esg-www.mit.edu:8001/esgbio/ps/psdir.html

Take a closer look at diatoms:

http://www.indiana.edu/~diatom/diatom.html
http://www.stormbefore.com/diatoms.htm