Nitrate Transporter Gene Expression in Southern East China Sea Diatoms

This dataset contains mRNA transcript levels of the Nrt2 nitrate transporter gene for two dominant diatom genera, Skeletonema and Chaetoceros, from the southern East China Sea. Measurements were taken during two sampling cruises in August 2010 and June 2011, with specific expression levels reported in mmole/(mole EFL). The data was generated by Lee-Kuo Kang to assess the nitrogen status of these phytoplankton groups in relation to environmental gradients.

Use Cases

• Compare Nrt2 transcript levels between Skeletonema and Chaetoceros genera across different shelf regions.
• Analyze the relationship between Nrt2 expression levels and cell abundance for Skeletonema in the southern East China Sea.
• Model the influence of nutricline depth on Nrt2 gene expression in Skeletonema populations.
• Contrast Nrt2 expression patterns from field samples with laboratory-derived maximum and minimum levels under nitrogen deprivation and ammonium addition.

Strengths

• Provides specific quantitative Nrt2 transcript measurements, such as a mean of 298 mmole/(mole EFL) for Skeletonema at the mid-shelf region in August 2010.
• Includes data from two distinct sampling periods (August 2010 and June 2011), allowing for temporal comparison.
• Focuses on two ecologically significant diatom genera, Skeletonema and Chaetoceros, with clear biological relevance.

Limitations

• The dataset size, including the number of samples or observations, is not specified.
• Data is limited to two specific time points, which may not capture seasonal or interannual variability.
• Geographic coverage is confined to the southern East China Sea, limiting broader ecological inferences.

Provenance

Source

Dryad digital repository, authored by Lee-Kuo Kang.

Collection Method

In situ mRNA quantification of the Nrt2 nitrate transporter gene from field-collected diatom samples, with calibration from controlled culture experiments.

Time Range

Sampling occurred in August 2010 and June 2011.

Freshness

Data was last updated in 2020.

Geography

Southern East China Sea, including inner and mid-shelf regions.