Open AccessDynamics and genotypic composition of E miliania huxleyi and their co‐occurring viruses during a coccolithophore bloom in the N orth S ea
Author(s) -
Martínez Joaquín Martínez,
Schroeder Declan C.,
Wilson William H.
Publication year - 2012
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.1574-6941.2012.01349.x
Subject(s) - emiliania huxleyi , coccolithophore , biology , bloom , phytoplankton , algal bloom , ecology , nutrient
We studied the temporal succession of vertical profiles of E miliania huxleyi and their specific viruses ( E h V s) during the progression of a natural phytoplankton bloom in the N orth S ea in J une 1999. Genotypic richness was assessed by exploiting the variations in a gene encoding a protein with calcium‐binding motifs ( GPA ) for E . huxleyi and in the viral major capsid protein gene for E h V s. Using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and sequencing analysis, we showed at least three different E . huxleyi and E h V genotypic profiles during the period of study, revealing a complex, and changing assemblage at the molecular level. Our results also indicate that the dynamics of E h V genotypes reflect fluctuations in abundance of potential E . huxleyi host cells. The presence and concentration of specific E h V s in the area prior to the bloom, or E h V s transported into the area by different water masses, are significant factors affecting the structure and intraspecific succession of E . huxleyi during the phytoplankton bloom.