these can in theory be measured in the field and accounted for. If the response varies greatly 

 among Synechococcus strains, we may be able to use flow cytometric signatures and molecular 

 probes to narrow the taxonomic specificity of the assay accordingly. 



STATUS OF RESEARCH 



The improvement of preservation and analysis protocols is ongoing. We have maintained 

 and sampled a series of light-limited cultures of Synechococcus strain WH-8101 growing at a 

 range of rates, and expect to begin analyzing these shortly. In addition, we have begun to 

 analyze the effects of a diel light:dark cycle on the parameters of interest in two Synechococcus 

 strains. In the upcoming months, we will undertake a broad series of culture experiments 

 comprising a number of Synechococcus strains growing under a range of temperature and light 

 conditions in order to extend our understanding of the effects of these parameters on biochemical 

 composition. We expect to continue these laboratory investigations (including nutrient-limited 

 chemostat studies) through the 1994-1995 project year, and anticipate being ready for field trials 

 at the start of the third project year (~ Sept '96). 



Keywords: cyanobacteria, flow cytometry, rRNA, growth, phytoplankton 



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