The Plymouth Student Scientist - Volume 2, No. 2 - 2009
https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/handle/10026.1/12786
2024-03-29T13:58:06ZRecent advances in marine microbiology - a selection of critical evaluations of research papers
https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/handle/10026.1/13884
Recent advances in marine microbiology - a selection of critical evaluations of research papers
Munn, C.; Guy, H.; Phillips, G.; Robertson, E.
This collection of articles features examples of coursework submitted by three
students taking the module BIOL3309 „Marine Microbiology – Ecology &
Applications‟ as part of the BSc Hons Marine Biology degree at Plymouth. In this
module, students discuss recent research papers in regular seminars, and keep a
portfolio of critical evaluations of papers that they have studied. This subject is
arguably one of the fastest moving fields in marine science and recent discoveries,
made possible by the application of new techniques (especially metagenomics and
rapid DNA sequencing) have revolutionized our understanding of ocean processes
and the interactions of microbes with other marine life. Thus, students taking this
module are encouraged to monitor the latest issues of journals and to select papers
of their own choice, so that they gain an appreciation of the most recent advances.
Students are provided with detailed advice on approaches to studying scientific
literature and are given a template to structure their evaluations. There are no hard
and fast rules on the style of evaluations or the number of papers or the level of
detail needed, but students obtaining top grades normally submit detailed analyses
of at least 2 or 3 papers in each of the 5 or 6 major themes of the course. The value
of this assignment is appreciated by most students, although it is considered by
some to be onerous, as evidenced in these representative comments from other
students taking the module.
2009-01-01T00:00:00ZThe role of the virus-phytoplankton system in marine biogeochemical cycling: possible impacts of climate change
https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/handle/10026.1/13883
The role of the virus-phytoplankton system in marine biogeochemical cycling: possible impacts of climate change
Sorensen, G.
Phytoplankton is the main driver of ocean net primary production (Falkowski
et al., 1998) and a dominant force behind biogeochemical cycling in the
ocean. It is a component of one of the oldest and best described virus-host
relationships (e.g. Suttle et al., 1990).
Viruses have typically been viewed as pathogens of marine organisms
but it has become clear that they also play a critical role in biogeochemical
processes in marine systems, themselves falling into the category of
dissolved organic matter (DOM) (Wilhelm & Suttle, 1999). Viruses play a large
part in carbon (Middelboe & Lyck, 2002), sulphur (Hill et al., 1998) and iron
cycling (Poorvin et al., 2004) in the world‟s oceans.
Earth‟s climate has warmed by approximately 0.6°C during the last 100
years. The rate of warming has doubled in the second half of the century
(Houghton, 2001). This rapid change has been attributed to the impact of
anthropogenic activities on the atmosphere. Climate change is already
affecting marine ecosystems and more extreme changes are predicted for the
future (Walther et al., 2002).
Whilst a number of studies have examined the effects of climate
variables on phytoplankton, it is unclear how marine viruses are affected by
these changes. This is important because of the close relationship between
viruses and their phytoplankton host. This review will outline the nature of
phytoplankton and marine viruses, with a virocentric bias. Relevant
biogeochemical cycles and the impact of climate change are described and
the possible effects of the altered environment on the phytoplankton-virus
system are considered.
2009-01-01T00:00:00ZThe role of reactive oxygen species in oxidative-induced neoplastic transformation
https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/handle/10026.1/13881
The role of reactive oxygen species in oxidative-induced neoplastic transformation
Puleston, D.
The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a normal occurrence in the life
of a cell. ROS are derived from both exogenous and endogenous sources and take
part in a plethora of normal physiological mechanisms from host immunity to cell
cycle regulation. However, ROS also exhibit a deleterious, disruptive character that
means they must now be taken seriously as a genuine carcinogenic agent able to
alter a variety of pathways leading to the initiation of cancer. The two-sidedness of
ROS means that the relationship between ROS and the onset and progression of
cancer is hard to determine. ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are able to
initiate cancer through the damage of DNA leading to the genetic instability that
drives the early stages of cancer. Simultaneously, they can activate a number of
signalling cascades and transcription factors that facilitate uncontrolled cell growth.
The production of ROS in neoplastic cells can lead to the production of new blood
vessels that provide the machinery for subsequent metastasis and tumour invasion.
It is important that the role of ROS in these pathways are fully elucidated in order to
provide potential therapies measures.
2009-01-01T00:00:00ZNitric oxide and the immune system: a literature review
https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/handle/10026.1/13880
Nitric oxide and the immune system: a literature review
Hosking, H.
Nitric oxide (NO) was discovered as a biologically active molecule over two decades
ago and it has since been recognised as one of the most versatile components of the
immune system, with involvement in both cytotoxic and regulatory functions. It is a
readily diffusible gas that has been established as a universal messenger, capable of
mediating cell-cell communication throughout the body. It is involved in the
pathogenesis and also the control of infectious diseases, autoimmunity, chronic
degenerative diseases and tumours. This review will collate, contrast and compare
recently published literature, to provide an up-to-date and contemporary overview of the
substantial role that NO plays within the immune system.
2009-01-01T00:00:00Z