The role of host-associated microbes in host function
Access status:
Open Access
Type
ThesisThesis type
Doctor of PhilosophyAuthor/s
Mcgrath, AlexanderAbstract
Host-associated microbiota are increasingly being recognised as critical for eukaryotic host functioning. This is true even for important habitat forming organisms such as macroalgae, whose functioning and persistence often underpins wider ecosystem function. To improve our ...
See moreHost-associated microbiota are increasingly being recognised as critical for eukaryotic host functioning. This is true even for important habitat forming organisms such as macroalgae, whose functioning and persistence often underpins wider ecosystem function. To improve our understanding of the role of host-associated microbiota on macroalgal host function and components of host fitness, I have combined manipulative field and mesocosm experiments with 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine host measures that included reproduction and settlement of the dominant intertidal macroalga Hormosira banksii. Overall, this work has provided novel ecological insights into the relationship between a dominant habitat forming macroalga and its bacterial consortia and provides a baseline for future work into holobiont ecology.
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See moreHost-associated microbiota are increasingly being recognised as critical for eukaryotic host functioning. This is true even for important habitat forming organisms such as macroalgae, whose functioning and persistence often underpins wider ecosystem function. To improve our understanding of the role of host-associated microbiota on macroalgal host function and components of host fitness, I have combined manipulative field and mesocosm experiments with 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine host measures that included reproduction and settlement of the dominant intertidal macroalga Hormosira banksii. Overall, this work has provided novel ecological insights into the relationship between a dominant habitat forming macroalga and its bacterial consortia and provides a baseline for future work into holobiont ecology.
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Date
2023Licence
Copyright All Rights ReservedRights statement
The author retains copyright of this thesis. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. It must not be used for any other purposes and may not be transmitted or shared with others without prior permission.Faculty/School
Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental SciencesAwarding institution
The University of SydneyShare