Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your second semester! A week ago, I started my internship at the Institute of Research for Development (IRD), which aims to contribute to social, economic and cultural development in less developed countries through interdisciplinary research projects. I am working in the mixed research unit (UMR) ENTROPIE which studies marine and tropical ecology of the Pacific and Indian oceans and is based in Nouméa, New Caledonia. In case you are not familiar with where “le caillou” (the rock in french) is: My project focuses on molecular phylogeny of green macroalgae samples from Madagascar of the genus Caulerpa, Halimeda and Codium. The methods I will be using during my internship consist in extracting DNA from the samples, amplifying it by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing the fragments. In fine, they will allow me to construct phylogenetic trees and evaluate the diversity of green macroalgae in Madagascar. Molecular phylogeny, based on genetic sequences, is necessary to resolve uncertainties linked to morphological taxonomy, which uses macroscopic characteristics to hint at a genus’ evolution. By sampling a wide range of individuals in a certain region, we can better understand the unique evolutionary history of this particular oceanic area and who knows, maybe discover an unusual specie there. For the moment, I have tested samples from several different genre with existing protocols from previous interns. I evaluated the quality of my DNA extractions by estimating the quantity of DNA by absorbance. I also visualized the success of my PCRs, this time by electrophoresis, and was generally pleased with my first results, which showed I had an important amount of DNA that had been efficiently amplified. I just need to sequence these fragments to make sure that they belong to the right genus. To “feed my lab sessions with reflexion” like my internship director says, I have also done bibliography on the topics of molecular phylogeny, of macroalgae taxonomy and biodiversity in Madagascar. You might be wondering what these algae look like, here is a glimpse! Source:
H. Verbruggen et al. (2009). A multi-locus phylogeny of the siphonous green algae. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
8 Comments
Cécile Crapart
17/1/2017 04:30:37 pm
Hi! I hope you are enjoying Nouméa!
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Clara Haas
17/1/2017 05:43:45 pm
Thank you for your question Cécile! The IRD does fundamental research, which tries to increase knowledge in different fields with regards to developing countries, and also applied research to contribute to development. I am studying green macroalgae in particular to increase knowledge on existing species and their distribution in the world's oceans. This can be very useful to understand the impact of climate change in the future, if certain species disappeared compared to today for example. Another member of my team is working on the specific properties and functions of different species through a metabolic approach. Her thesis has CIFRE (Conventions Industrielles de Formation par la Recherche) funding which is often linked to economic interest, so she is also studying the possibility of some functions leading to useful applications, whether they be chemical or ecological properties.
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Noémie Paillon
19/1/2017 04:11:29 am
Hello Clara !
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Clara Haas
19/1/2017 04:02:18 pm
Hi Noémie!!
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Noémie Paillon
20/1/2017 10:09:59 am
Hi Clara !
Margaux Bieuville
20/2/2017 06:00:35 am
Hello Clarinette!
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Clara Haas
20/2/2017 01:12:35 pm
Hi Margaux!
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Margaux
21/2/2017 01:58:55 am
You answered my second question with your first answer: if oceans aren't as different between oceans and that you try to take samples in places with similar conditions, two species won't play drastically different roles juste because they're not in the same place
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