Diatoms and their interactions with microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems.

Adriana Slezáková

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The role of the diatoms in the ecosystem is considerable as they play a pivotal role in global oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and aquatic food chains. Yet, to fully understand their population dynamics and role in aquatic environments, it is important to first study interactions between diatoms and other aquatic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This bachelor thesis dives into this topic by investigating the importance of these interactions in ecology. The findings of this study in particular reveal the substantial control of diatom populations and diversity by viruses, which in turn influences biogeochemical cycling and aquatic food chains. The thesis also explores the relationships such as symbiosis, parasitism, competition or facilitation between diatoms and other microorganisms (notably bacteria and fungi) which is influential for organic matter decomposition and cycling of nutrients.

Keywords

diatoms, ecological interactions, bacteria, virus, microbes, marine ecosystems, decomposition, ocean, diversity, fungi, pathogen

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 3. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 30. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: Mgr. Kateřina Kopalová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Jana Kulichová Veselá, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Bachelor programme:
Applied Ecology