Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
17 Biological Lane
St. George's GE 01
Bermuda
Tel: 441-297-1880 ext. 217
Fax: 441-297-8143
E-mail: Gerald.plumley@bios.edu
Molecular Marine Biology

Specialization:
Marine Molecular Biochemistry

Profile:
The Plumley lab pursues two overlapping objectives related to proteomics and genomics of marine microorganisms. One program seeks to understand the structure, function and evolution of the photosynthetic apparatus, with an emphasis on pigment-binding proteins. The second research area is in the field of harmful algal blooms. The team currently focuses on the genes required to synthesize saxitoxin and the characterization of bacterial genes involved directly or indirectly in toxin production. They use techniques from molecular genetics, biochemistry and metagenomics to track organisms in the marine environment and to understand how environmental conditions affect gene expression. Dr. Plumley retains adjunct faculty status at the University of Alaska; students may take academic classes in Alaska their first year and conduct their research in Bermuda.

Current Research: 

• Harmful Algal Blooms (red tides)
• Identification of the genes involved in production of saxitoxin
• Identification and characterization of ancient photosynthetic bacteria in the ocean

Educational Background:

• B.S. Biology, Mars Hill College, 1973
• M.S. Botany and Microbiology, Auburn University, 1978
• Ph.D. Botany, University of Georgia, 1983

Selected Publications:

• Beatty, J.T., J. Overmann, M.T. Lince, A.K. Manske, A.S. Lang, R.E. Blankenship, C.L. Van Dover, T.A. Martinson and F.G. Plumley. 2005. An obligately photosynthetic bacterial anaerobe from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 9306-10.
• Kolber, Z.S., F.G. Plumley, A.S. Lang, J.T. Beatty, R.E. Blankenship, C.L. VanDover, C. Vetriani, M. Koblizek, C. Rathgeber and P.G. Falkowski. 2001. Contribution of aerobic photoheterotrophic bacteria to the carbon cycle in the ocean. Science, 292: 2492-2495.
• Baker, T.R., G.J. Doucette, C.L. Powell, G.L. Boyer and F.G. Plumley. 2003. GTX4 Imposters: Characterization of fluorescent compounds synthesized by Pseudomonas stutzeri SF/PS and Pseudomonas/Alteromonas PTB-1, symbionts of saxitoxin-producing Alexandrium spp. Toxicon, 41:339-347.