DNA molecular markers in mosses and their use for the characterization of a Sphagnum palustre clone, for its exploitation as a passive contaminant sensor

Abstract

The control of the air quality is often assessed by the use of terrestrial mosses. However, due to the lack of standardization in the used techniques, the comparison between the available studies is difficult. My PhD thesis was related to the European project FP7-Mossclone. The aim of this project is the development of a standardized method for biomonitoring the level of atmospheric pollution through the use of a devitalized moss clone of Sphagnum palustre, using the moss bags technique. My particular task was to perform the molecular characterization with DNA molecular markers of the clone, in order to label it for a subsequent patent development. First a bibliographical research of the application of DNA molecular markers in moss studies was performed and published. Furthermore, I have applied the acquired knowledge of the molecular techniques into a particular case: the Hypnum cupressiforme complex, focalizing the study in the distinction between Hypnum lacunosum and Hypnum cupressiforme using the intron-exon splice junction (ISJ) marker. I present as well some experiments that will help to optimize some cell culture techniques towards biotechnology and biomonitoring. Particularly, I studied some culture techniques in the aquatic moss Rhynchostegium riparioides, I studied some aspects concerning the protoplast isolation protocol in Sphagnum palustre and I have identified and sequenced a Sphagnum palustre sequence from the actin family.