Yesterday I got the opportunity to process samples from both the ring net and the bottom net of the multi-net. These samples will be used to compare copepods on the surface and copepods found at a depth of 280-200 meters. I processed the samples for two different types of analysis. The first type of analysis is for the ratio of RNA to DNA. This provides scientist with data about the condition of the animals.
Ms. Rose processing copepod samples
DNA or Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms (with the exception of RNA viruses). The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the use of this genetic information. Along with RNA and proteins, DNA is one of the three major macromolecules that are essential for all known forms of life. Ribonucleic acid or RNA is made up of a long chain of components called nucleotides. The sequence of nucleotides allows RNA to encode genetic information. All cellular organisms use messenger RNA (mRNA) to carry the genetic information that directs the synthesis of proteins.
Regardless of the type of analysis to be completed on the animals, they need to be photographed and cataloged. Celia prepared slides with Calanus glacialis C5's (juveniles) and I took photographs with a special microscope/camera set up connected to a computer.
This is the camera and microscope set up we use to photograph the animals.
After I had a good image, I recorded the image number from the camera and the location where I placed the animal. The data is kept in a log book with other important information like the date of the sample, location, type of net, type of animal and magnification.
Lab notebook that contains all the data on the animals that are preserved.
If the animals are being preserved for RNA/DNA analysis, they are placed in a labeled vial and quickly frozen in an Iso-pack. The vials are stored on the ship in a -80 freezer!! Guess where the company that makes that freezer is from...Cincinnati, Ohio!!
This is the -80 freezer. You have to wear special gloves when working inside. The iso-pack that holds the vials of animals is pictured on top.
If the animals are being preserved for Carbon and Nitrogen analysis, they are placed in trays and then immediately dried.
Tray for drying samples - notice the tin boats inside each well...some have animals in them already!
In other science excitement, yesterday Joel identified an Arctic cod in the ring net sample. Arctic cod is a species of fish that lives under the sea ice and eats copepods. It thrives in temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius partly due to an anti-freeze protein it produces.
The Arctic cod produces an antifreeze protein as an adaptation to the cold Arctic waters!
We are still in multi-year ice and are encountering pressure ridges as we move from Station to Station. You can see on this map where the Healy has gotten “hung up” on some sea ice and had to “back and ram” to get through.
The station map showing the path of the Healy with a red line. You can see where we got stuck and had to back and ram!
As always, I will end this entry with a view of the Arctic winter from the Healy!
The view of the sky at about local noon...gorgeous!
New Vocabulary
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms
RNA: major macromolecule essential for life that encodes genetic information
Question of the Day:
Compare and Contrast DNA and RNA. Put the information in your own words and cite your resources.
Stay tuned as we continue our exciting voyage on the USCG Cutter Healy. Until then...
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” - Mohandas Gandhi