Award Abstract #0074452
RUI: Undergraduate Research in the Molecular Diversity of Hot Spring Bacteria

NSF Org:	MCB Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
Initial Amendment Date:	August 11, 2000
Latest Amendment Date:	August 11, 2000
Award Number:	0074452
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Matthew Kane MCB Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date:	September 1, 2000
Expires:	August 31, 2003 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$222953
Investigator(s):	Sarah Boomer boomers@wou.edu (Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Western Oregon University 345 N Monmouth Avenue Monmouth, OR 97361 503/838-8174
NSF Program(s):	MICRO OBS & MICRO INTER & PRO
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	BIOT, 9229, 9169, 9104
Program Element Code(s):	1089

ABSTRACT



Dr. Sarah M. Boomer at Western Oregon University is establishing a "Red Layer" Microbial Observatory (RLMO) in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. This observatory will enable undergraduate students to study several similar bacterial communities ("mats") that thrive in alkaline hot springs. All mats in this observatory contain an unusual red layer of yet-unidentified bacteria, usually beneath top layers of known green bacteria (Cyanobacteria). Preliminary data has demonstrated that some of these red bacteria are unique but related to a known genus of ancient bacteria called Heliothrix. A dozen distinct red layer mats have been identified to date. A key goal of this research is to survey additional regions of Yellowstone during an extensive summer undergraduate research program established by this grant. While in the park, research teams will survey and document new RLMO habitats using a variety of technologies (global positioning systems, pH and temperature measuring devices and digital cameras). In the laboratory following these trips, undergraduates will use microscopy, biochemical analysis of red pigments, and DNA sequence information to further characterize these novel bacteria. RLMO materials will also be used as the backbone project in Dr. Boomer's research-based undergraduate course, Molecular Biology. In both contexts, undergraduates will isolate a specific identification gene (16S ribosomal RNA gene) from various bacterial samples, and determine the DNA sequences of these genes using an automated DNA sequencer acquired through prior NSF support. Using computer programs and internet-based databases, students will use sequence information to infer how red layer bacteria compare from site to site within the RLMO and how they compare with other known bacteria. Original sequence data will also provide raw data for a new undergraduate course in computational biology. Many biology majors at Western Oregon University are bound for careers teaching science; thus, research students specifically interested in education will have methods, materials, and credit-based opportunities to develop and deliver education outreach modules and web-distributed curricula as part of this Yellowstone RLMO.

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