Open AccessRNA sequence analysis shows that the symbionts in the ciliate Metopus contortus are polymorphs of a single methanogen species
Author(s) -
Embley T.M.,
Finlay B.J.,
Brown S.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1992.tb05439.x
Subject(s) - biology , methanogen , ciliate , ribosomal rna , gene , oligonucleotide , 16s ribosomal rna , bacteria , sequence analysis , genetics
The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify and partially sequence the 16S ribosomal RNA genes of symbiotic bacteria within the anaerobic ciliate Metopus contortus . In situ probing with fluorescent oligonucleotides showed that the amplified sequences orginated from a single species of archaebacterium which is closely related to Methanocorpusculum parvum . The probed symbionts exhibited a variety of shapes and sizes. These data support the hypothesis, first proposed on the basis of electron microscopy that the symbionts undergo a morphological transformation as part of the symbiotic process.