Gene Mining for Environmental Studies and Applications: Examples from Marine Organisms

Abstract

In this chapter, some of the most common techniques used to generate genomic and transcriptomic data, that is, sequence and gene expression information, are reviewed. Examples are then given as to how these data can be exploited to understand the physiology of marine organisms. Emphasis is placed on studies conducted to gain insights on the response of corals to climate change (temperature and acidification), and on toxin production by dinoflagellates (dinotoxins). Finally, attention is focused on molecular biomonitoring techniques, and how sequence information can be used to assess the quality of food and the environment for the benefit of humans. The integration of genomic and transcriptomic data with other levels of analysis will lay the ground for a better understanding and exploitation of the potential of marine systems.