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Intra‐specific phenotypic and genotypic variation in toxic cyanobacterial Microcystis strains
Author(s) -
Yoshida M.,
Yoshida T.,
Satomi M.,
Takashima Y.,
Hosoda N.,
Hiroishi S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03754.x
Subject(s) - biology , microcystis aeruginosa , phenotype , genetics , lineage (genetic) , genotype , phylogenetic tree , gene , genetic diversity , genetic variation , phenotypic trait , microcystis , cyanobacteria , bacteria , population , demography , sociology
Aims: We determined if the intra‐specific genetic diversity of Microcystis aeruginosa correlates with phenotypic characteristics. Methods and Results: Microcystis aeruginosa isolates from various Japanese waters were characterized using genetic analyses based on the 16S–23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and DNA‐independent RNA polymerase ( rpoC1 ) gene sequences. In addition, morphological and biochemical properties, and the toxicity of M. aeruginosa strains were determined. We found a correlation in phylogenetic clusters of the ITS region and rpoC1 gene sequences. Using a polyphasic approach, genotypic and phenotypic variations in M. aeruginosa showed that the three genetic lineage groups are comprised of a particular phenotype or subgroup of closely related phenotypes. However, some strains had high phenotypic and genotypic diversity compared to the three lineage groups and did not show distinct lineages; therefore, these strains were designated as the ‘complex group’. Conclusions: The ‘complex group’ consisted of genetically and phenotypically incoherent and high diverse populations in M. aeruginosa , although some genotypes or lineages displayed consistent phenotypes. Significance and Impact of the Study: The polyphasic approach combining phenotypic and genetic characterization was effective for comprehending distinct lineages and discriminating the potential complexity of M. aeruginosa populations at the intra‐species level.