Espeland, E. M.. University of Alabama, email@example.com
Francoeur, S. M.. University of Alabama, firstname.lastname@example.org
Wetzel, R. G.. University of Alabama, email@example.com
DETERMINATION OF ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE PROFILES WITHIN HETEROTROPHIC/AUTOTROPHIC BIOFILMS
Alkaline phosphatase (AP) production is a common response to phosphorus limitation by which organic phosphorus compounds are hydrolyzed into a usable, inorganic form. Standard enzyme assays used to determine AP activity represent only whole-community responses to phosphorus limitation. A new insoluble fluorogenic substrate, ELF (Enzyme-labeled Fluorescence) allows detection of AP activity in single cells. Scanning confocal laser microscopy (SCLM) allows artifact-free, three dimensional imaging of biofilm structure. In conjunction with SCLM, ELF provides a method for determining detailed, three-dimensional information about the spatial distribution of AP activity in mixed heterotrophic/autotrophic biofilms. In biofilms, the location of AP activity depends on the structure of the biofilm, which influences the availability of inorganic phosphorus from overlying waters. A combination of ELF and SCLM permitted characterization and comparison of AP profiles of compact, mucilaginous, lotic biofilms and loose, flocculant, lentic biofilms.
Day: Monday, Feb. 1
Time: 04:45 - 05:00pm
Location: Sweeney Center