metatransNA
Marine plankton play a central role in the interaction networks and services of marine ecosystems. The metabolic pathways and physiological adaptations of plankton determine the dynamics and biodiversity of marine ecosystems. The metabolic pathways and adaptations are comprehensive and differentiated at the species level and determine the spatio-temporal dynamics of plankton species and communities. This project investigates the dynamics of marine plankton across its annual cycles and tracks the dynamics of physiological capacities using metatranscriptome analyses. The focus is on the northern Adriatic, where steep ecological gradients allow the observation of the plankton community under a variety of different ecological challenges. The metatranscriptome data will provide a deeper understanding of the physiological pathways and adaptations that allow marine plankton to drive and support marine ecosystems, and will also shed light on the complex and multifaceted life strategies of key plankton species.