Open AccessMarine sponges as microbial fermenters
Author(s) -
Hentschel Ute,
Usher Kayley M.,
Taylor Michael W.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
fems microbiology ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.377
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1574-6941
pISSN - 0168-6496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2005.00046.x
Subject(s) - biology , sponge , phylum , context (archaeology) , ecology , marine bacteriophage , population , microbial ecology , evolutionary biology , bacteria , botany , paleontology , demography , sociology
The discovery of phylogenetically complex, yet highly sponge‐specific microbial communities in marine sponges, including novel lineages and even candidate phyla, came as a surprise. At the same time, unique research opportunities opened up, because the microorganisms of sponges are in many ways more accessible than those of seawater. Accordingly, we consider sponges as microbial fermenters that provide exciting new avenues in marine microbiology and biotechnology. This review covers recent findings regarding diversity, biogeography and population dynamics of sponge‐associated microbiota, and the data are discussed within the larger context of the microbiology of the ocean.