My thesis work was completed in the summer of 2008, with a successful public defense. I studied the possible infection of Ectocarpus by the EsV-1 virus in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Since no infection was found in the area the next step of my thesis was looking at possible incorrect identification of Ectocarpus. Had we been identifying it correctly over the years. Identification was carried using comparison to published keys, based on measurements by light microscopy and looking genetic data. Analysis of the data using two common DNA sequences, 18S and the nuclear encoded rbcL (RuBisCO Large Subunit). Examining both aspects studied it was determined that we had been correctly identifying Ectocarpus over the years.
If you are inclined to read my thesis you can find it here.
