Dinoflagellate bioluminescences are not only for the tourists
Project Description
Bioluminescence is the production of light by a living organism, with a variety of postulated functions. Dinoflagellates, also referred to as Pyrrophyta (fire plants), are famous for their circadian rhythm of bioluminescence, with 18 genera being reported so far to contain the enzyme luciferase and the substrate, sometimes luciferin binding protein LBP, generally considered to be compartmentalized in specialized organelles referred to as “scintillans”. The ongoing theory involved the mechanical stress activation of a G protein-coupled receptor through calcium signaling, followed by depolarizing vacuole membrane with an action potential. The function of bioluminescence, however, was postulated to be in redox dissipation or in ‘burglar’ alarm. We have alternatives and wish to explore.
Supervisor
WONG Joseph Tin Yum
Quota
2
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP3200
Applicant's Roles
to grow the dinoflagellates with bioluminescence and to isolate the organelle of bioluminescence (scintillans)
and to explore their proteomes
Applicant's Learning Objectives
literature review
critical analysis for potential scientific dogma
Interactions with team members
experimental design
Complexity of the project
Moderate