Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 09/01/2013 - 14:33
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Arctic Sunlight and Microbial Interactions

Hi Mr. Taterka, While reading over your journals the one that sparked my interest the most was microbes. I understand that you tested the microbes' rate of decomposition and production. I was wondering what test came back with the most helpful results either the DNA analysis or the leucine test? And lastly did the results change any of the preconceived theories or hypotheses the scientists had coming into the project?

Thank you and cannot wait for Environmental Sciences and TOK MK McCann

Mon, 09/02/2013 - 05:44

Anonymous

MK -
The microbes really are fascinating. I wouldn't say that one test was more helpful than the others - it's more like when you put all the findings together that things become really interesting. The interesting thing here was to look at the metabolic rates of different bacterial communities at different times and under different conditions, and to try to understand how these communities affect the movement of carbon. One of the most surprising results was to find that different areas - soil, groundwater, streams, and lakes - have very different bacterial communities and that the communities can change very rapidly, in hours, depending on the type of carbon available. None of this was known until the very recent development of DNA technology. If you're into science, it's amazing to see how the bio and chem and physics all come together to solve big problems.
See you soon!
- Mr. T