Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

COMPLEX INVESTIGATION OF ANTARCTIC BIOTA  (Diversity and adaptation)

Outline
Antarctica is unique in its climatic and ecological characteristics with individual fauna and flora which are still significantly underinvestigated. This research aims at systemic study of diversity and adaptation mechanisms of biota in the region of Argentina islands. The proposed complex activity is focused on two main directions: biochemical characteristics of adaptation processes and investigation of diversity exemplified by mosses, algae and viruses. To reach the first goal, study of biochemical parameters of adaptation of various Antarctic fish species is envisaged, including: revision of enzymes involved in biotransformation of xenobiotics; study of oxidative stress’ indexes; revealing composition and concentration of stress proteins; determination of chemical content of fish organs and tissues. Biochemical backgrounds of adaptation capabilities of Antarctic fish to the environment will also be established. In addition, reactive properties of components of the complex of D. antarctica photosynthetic tissues will be investigated, as well as metabolic reactions related to generation of reactive oxygen species which is the general response of plants to diverse stress factors. Peculiarities of main metabolic and physiological processes involved in the formation of general plant adaptation to climatic conditions of Antarctica will be revealed. According to the second important aim, there are planned isolation of microalgae strains from soil, snow and ice, their further introduction to the culture and identification with following determination of geographical specificities; and collection of moss samples, species identification with future introduction to protonema culture. Development of microalgae and mosses’ collection from the region of Argentina islands is envisaged. Further on, the work will be focused on study of plant virus infections spread among plant objects, water and soil of Antarctica for revealing contamination degree and sources of inocula of plant viruses. Diagnostics of most spread plant viruses in Antarctica (plant objects, soil and water samples) employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction will be carried out. Plant virus research in biocenoses of Antarctica follows two major strategic targets: understanding of plant virus evolution (fundamental); controlling plant virus infections’ development in Antarctica for preservation of biodiversity of plant endemic populations (practical). This part of research activity will allow developing of database for the spread of plant viruses in Antarctica.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The implementation of this project will allow for the first time to carry out the complex research of diversity and adaptation mechanisms of biota in the region of Argentina islands, including: determination of biochemical base of adaptation capabilities of Antarctic fish to the environmental conditions; investigation of features of major metabolic and physiological processes involved in the formation of plant adaptation to the Antarctic climate; generation of the collection of microalgae and mosses isolated in the region of Argentina islands; conduction of plant virus monitoring in Antarctic conditions, development of database for plant virus infections’ spread, and creation of computer-aided models for plant virus circulation considering ecological characteristic of Antarctica.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The collaboration with scientists from Russia, Germany, Poland, Austria and other countries involved in the research of biodiversity and adaptation mechanisms of biota is envisaged.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The investigations will take place in the region of Argentina islands (islands island Pitterman, Yalur, Barselot, Skua, Wienke, Winter, Galindez, and cape Rassmusen)

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 12/2006 – 02/2007      12/2007 – 02/2008      12/2008 – 02/2009

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The project may be performed in the limits of regular Antarctic expeditions; joining to the resources of other projects will allow significant broadening the massive of attained data on diversity and adaptation mechanisms of biota in Antarctica.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
There will remain the collection of microalgae and mosses isolated, and the database on plant virus spread in investigated regions with its connection to sampling points.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
National agency

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project is supported at the national level and included in the State research program of Ukraine in Antarctica, years 2004-2006.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

The proposed project is a part (small division) of The Programme of Scientific Activity of Ukrainian Antarctic Centre

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be implemented by the research fellows of the Biology Faculty, Taras Shevchenko’ Kyiv National University; the project management will be conducted by the National Antarctic scientific centre (The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Research results will give base for master students’ diplomas; the PhD studentship is planned. Obtained results are presented in lecture materials and published materials. All contacts are welcome.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Obtained data (sampling points and samples’ characteristics) will be submitted to the united GIS-system of the National Antarctic scientific centre (The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine). The project will allow developing the database on plant virus spread in Antarctica, which will be publicly available.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project is going to be financed by the national agencies; however, the participation of international organizations in financing will bring the project to a better level of performance (bigger massive of samples, use of modern molecular biological techniques, etc.).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Professor Valery Polischuk
National Antarctic scientific center of Ukraine; Taras Shevchenko’ Kyiv National University
16, T.Shevchenko boulevard, Ukraine, Kyiv 01601
01033
Ukraine

Tel: +38044 5221648
Mobile: no
Fax: +38044 5221648
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation