Photosynthesis is a critical metabolic process in plants involving ‘light reactions’ that capture solar energy to produce ATP and NADPH, and ‘dark reactions’ where these molecules power the enzyme Rubisco to synthesize sugars in the Calvin-Benson cycle. These processes serve as the primary energy source for plant growth and reproduction, displaying significant variation across species and environments. In Helianthus, distinct …
Biology Department CalendarUnderstanding the fate of the soil organic matter (SOM) in coastal wetlands allow for accurate assessments of ecosystem functions and services. Mineral associated organic matter (MAOM) is SOM that is physically and chemically stabilized through interactions with mineral surfaces, and is considered one of the most stable pools of SOM. Through both observational and experimental studies, MAOM was quantified along …
Biology Department CalendarCoastal wetlands perform essential ecosystem functions that may be negatively impacted by anthropogenic activities and environmental change. Coastal wetland degradation has been observed in the Tolomato River estuary, part of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR), on the east coast of Florida (USA). In some areas, oyster rakes (linear piles of dead oyster shells) form between the …
Biology Department Calendar