First Advisor

Anne Thompson

Date of Award

Spring 6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology and University Honors

Department

Biology

Language

English

Subjects

Synechococcus, picocyanobacteria, microcolonies, marine, ecology, carbon

DOI

10.15760/honors.1868

Abstract

Picocyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcus are widespread aquatic photoautotrophs that play essential roles in primary production and carbon cycling. Some Synechococcus strains form multicellular microcolonies, but the mechanisms of cell-to-cell attachments and structural durability of these microcolonies remain poorly understood. This research investigated the physical durability of microcolonies in two marine Synechococcus strains (CC9605 and CC9311) using physical disruption treatments. Cultures were subjected to vortexing and sonication treatments, and populations of single cells and microcolonies were quantified using flow cytometry based on differences in measures of size. Results indicated that strain CC9605 showed no significant treatment effect, whereas CC9311 displayed a statistically significant increase in microcolony abundance after being subjected to vortexing and sonication. Across both strains, physical disruption appeared to increase microcolony frequency rather than decrease it, contrary to the initial hypothesis. Although microcolonies comprised less than 1% of total populations, these preliminary findings suggest that mechanical stress may induce microcolony formation, potentially as an adaptive response or break up larger biofilms or microcolonies into smaller microcolony components. Future work will include larger sample sizes and additional Synechococcus strains to further identify the mechanisms and ecological significance of microcolony formation, with broader implications for understanding microbial ecology and carbon cycling.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44802

Download

Share

COinS