Open AccessCommon evolutionary origin of planktonic and benthic nitrogen‐fixing oscillatoriacean cyanobacteria from tropical oceans
Author(s) -
Abed Raeid M.M.,
Palinska Katarzyna A.,
Camoin Gilbert,
Golubic Stjepko
Publication year - 2006
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.1574-6968.2006.00321.x
Subject(s) - cyanobacteria , biology , plankton , trichodesmium , benthic zone , ecology , botany , nitrogen fixation , phycocyanin , diazotroph , bacteria , paleontology
The filamentous cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Hydrocoleum ( Blennothrix ) are among the most common mat‐forming cyanobacteria in tropical oceans. We present here the evidence that these benthic cyanobacteria are morphologically and phylogenetically very close to the planktonic species of Trichodesmium . Genetic relationship was established independently with regard to sequences of the 16S rRNA gene, nifH gene, and phycocyanin and phycoerythrin intergenic spacers. The species of both genera formed a common distinct branch in phylogenetically reconstructed cyanobacterial trees, suggesting that the main constituents of cyanobacterial benthos and plankton have an early common origin and both represent major contributors to nitrogen budget of tropical oceans today as in the distant geological past.