Research Lead, Dr. Aguirre is exploring how seaweeds may pass along their microbiome, the community of microscopic organisms that live in and on them, from one generation to the next. These microbes include bacteria and other tiny organisms that can influence the health, growth, and resilience of marine plants.
To investigate this process,Eisenia arborea, commonly known as the Southern Sea Palm, is the test subject. This species of kelp grows along the Pacific coast and plays an important role in coastal ecosystems by providing food, a home, and oxygen for many marine organisms.
In this study, scientists compare reproductive tissues (the parts of the seaweed involved in producing the next generation) with regular tissues. By analyzing the microbial communities present in each type of tissue, researchers can determine whether the microbes associated with reproduction differ from those found in the rest of the organism.
If the reproductive tissues contain a distinct set of microbes, it may suggest that seaweeds transfer some of their microbiome directly to their offspring. This process could play a role in helping young kelp establish beneficial microbial partnerships early in their development.
Researchers are also comparing these findings with samples collected from an earlier life stage of the same kelp species. By examining microbial communities across different stages of the kelp’s life cycle, scientists hope to identify whether a consistent core microbiome persists from one generation to the next.
Understanding these relationships may reveal how seaweeds and microbes work together as interconnected systems. Insights from this research could contribute to improved methods for supporting kelp health in conservation and aquaculture settings, while also expanding scientific knowledge of the hidden microbial networks that shape marine ecosystems.
