genetic variability over the last 10,000 years, and compared with 

 the records of changes in C0 2 and temperature. The genetic 

 variability could be determined by the RFLP technique or by more 

 conventional PCR with restriction site mapping, focusing on the 

 relationship between the rate of environmental change and mutation 

 rate. 



Molecular biological methods for describing community 

 structure are one of the best approaches for elucidating community 

 diversity, and it is essential that they be incorporated into 

 ecosystem programs. 



Integration of Molecular Biology with Other Disciplines 



The integration of molecular biology into ecology can be 

 brought about only by disciplines which bridge or contribute to 

 these two areas of biology; these include, for example, 

 biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, genetics, population 

 biology, and geochemistry. The MAESR initiative is designed to 

 supplement and develop, not replace, these bridging disciplines. 

 For example, stable isotope fractionation studies are invaluable 

 for integrating biological and geochemical processes; molecular 

 biology in conjunction with biochemistry can clarify the mechanisms 

 and variability of the fractionation process. Variations in 

 fluorescence yields of plants and phytoplankton can be used to 

 infer stress or productivity in the field. Molecular biology and 

 physiology provide an understanding of the molecular bases of the 

 variations. 



Relationship of MAESR to DOE Goals 



MAESR was conceived as a means of improving the reliability 

 and predictive capability of ecosystem models by including a 

 mechanistic understanding of how biological processes operate. It 

 was recognized at the workshop that DOE's interests in 

 bioremediation and biotechnology would also benefit from MAESR. 

 The molecular biological approaches described for understanding 

 biogeochemical cycles can easily be applied to understanding the 

 function of deep subsurface microbial communities, potentially 

 altering natural microbial communities to selectively absorb 

 radionuclides or other substances from complex mixtures, and 

 developing better biological processes for degrading noxious 



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