Abstract:
Nematode worms in Antarctica are adapted to survive extreme conditions. One species, Panagrolaimus davidi, is unusual in that it can survive extra as well as intra-cellular freezing. This study investigated whether all species of nematodes are as tolerant in such freezing and if so, what mechanism is used. In addition to this the study examined the distribution of nematodes in ice-free sites to determine how much exchange there is from site to site and to assess what characterisitics are important for the presence and absence of particular species. Soil samples were taken along 100 m transects (randomised sampling) at locations around Terra Nova Bay (Gondwana Station, Mario Zucchelli Station, Enigma Lake and at Adelie Cove) and Cape Hallett and the surrounding area (Cape Christie, Luther Lake, Salmon Cliffs and Redcastle). Nematode were extracted from the soil, concentrated and identified to species and counted under a microscope. The distribution and abundance along the transects was recorded along with descriptive data on the soil. Live cultures of a range of nematode species were established on nutrient agar for freeze tolerance and survival strategies to be investigated in the laboratory. The ability of nematodes to survive freezing at a range of sub-zero temperatures and at a range of cooling rates was tested and survival was assessed after a 24hour recovery period. Data loggers were installed during the field sampling period to measure the soil temperature at the surface, 2cm depth and 5cm depth.
The data from this investigation is being used for the completion of a PhD thesis. The data will no be available until the thesis is completed. Please contact the investigator for more information.
Name:
SHULAMIT
GORDON Phone:
+64 3 358 0200
Fax:
+64 3 358 0211
Email:
s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745 City:
Christchurch
Country:
New Zealand
Personnel
CRAIG
MARSHALL Role:
INVESTIGATOR
Phone:
+64 3 479 7570
Fax:
+64 3 4797866
Email:
craig.marshall at stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Contact Address:
Department of Biochemistry
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin Country:
NEW ZEALAND
CEISHA
POIROT Role:
DIF AUTHOR
Phone:
+64 3 358 0200
Fax:
+64 3 358 0211
Email:
c.poirot at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745 City:
Christchurch
Country:
New Zealand
SHULAMIT
GORDON Role:
DIF AUTHOR
Phone:
+64 3 358 0200
Fax:
+64 3 358 0211
Email:
s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745 City:
Christchurch
Country:
New Zealand
Publications/References
Smith, T. Wharton, D.A. Marshall, C.J. Cold tolerance of an Antarctic nematode that survives intracellular freezing: comparisons with other nematode species. Journal of comparative physiology B 178: 93-100, 2008.
Melianie Raymond PhD thesis -in progress.
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2004-06-02
Last DIF Revision Date:
2009-03-27
