Open AccessHost genotype structures the microbiome of a globally dispersed marine phytoplankton
Author(s) -
Olivia M. Ahern,
Kerry Whittaker,
Tiffany C. Williams,
Dana E. Hunt,
Tatiana A. Rynearson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2105207118
Subject(s) - biology , microbiome , host (biology) , phytoplankton , population , genotype , ecology , genetics , gene , nutrient , demography , sociology
Significance Microscale interactions between marine phytoplankton and their bacterial microbiomes can influence ecosystem functioning and global biogeochemical cycling through complex exchanges of metabolites and sophisticated ecological processes. Previous investigation of the phytoplankton microbiome has not focused on the role of a host’s underlying genetic background. Through examination of a single phytoplankton species’ microbiome across the global ocean, we found that host genotype strongly influenced microbiome community composition, with associations that potentially persist across generations and ocean basins but assemble rapidly (within days). The long-term association of microbiomes with host genetic background could explain the evolution and maintenance of intricate phytoplankton–bacteria interactions.