PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACCLIMATION IN THE MARINE DIATOM PHAEODACTYLUM  TRICORNUTUM

A thesis dissertation examining the genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie the high photosynthetic efficiency and productivity of diatoms using the marine pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a model system. Using biochemical, biophysical, and molecular biology tools, to study how changing light, redox, and nutrient conditions affect gene expression, thylakoid protein composition, and photosynthetic efficiency in diatoms.