Molecular Approaches to the Study of Phytoplankton Life Cycles: Implications for Harmful Algal Bloom Ecology

Abstract

The molecular methods described in this chapter offer an opportunity to identify specific life stages and to study the mitotic and meiotic cell cycles of harmful algal bloom species with unprecedented accuracy. Given that different life-cycle stages often interact in complex ways to influence the success of algal species, these techniques will provide critical insights into the factors that regulate HAB population dynamics.