Microbial genomes and community gene expression in High Arctic terrestrial ecosystems.

Arctic soil contains large amounts of stored organic carbon which constitute a source for release of climate gases. Degradation of organic carbon involves a consortium of microbial phyla representing a huge genetic and functional diversity. The project ai ms at exploring the genomic and functional diversity of soil microbial communities, with emphasis on key functional groups involved in methane production, and studies of the communities responses to temperature changes. This will be addressed in field an d laboratory experiments by applying cutting edge molecular methods and advanced analytical tools. The active populations will be studied with RNA based methods, including pyrosequencing, microarrays and real time PCR. Results from headspace gas measureme nts, metabolite turnover, analysis of active microbial populations and their diversity will be used in the final part of the project to integrate studies on structure and function of microbial communities in High Arctic environments. The project is expect ed to contribute to more reliable soil-atmosphere models for high latitude ecosystems and a deeper insight in the unexplored microbial world. The project platform consists of active national and international expertise and collaboration.