Culture-dependent characterization of cyanobacterial diversity in the intertidal zones of the Portuguese coast: A polyphasic study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Angela Brito (Author) Other; Vitor Ramos (Author) Other; Rui Seabra (Author) Other; Arlete Santos (Author) FCUP; Catarina L Santos (Author) Other; Miguel Lopo (Author) Other; Sergio Ferreira (Author) Other; Antonio Martins (Author) Other; Rita Mota (Author) Other; Barbara Frazao (Author) Other; Rosario Martins (Author) Other; Vitor Vasconcelos (Author) FCUP; Paula Tamagnini (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Systematic and Applied Microbiology

Vol. 35

Pages: 110-119

ISSN: 0723-2020

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 43 Citations

Scopus - 45 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-CFG

DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2011.07.003

Abstract (EN): Cyanobacteria are important primary producers, and many are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen playing a key role in the marine environment. However, not much is known about the diversity of cyanobacteria in Portuguese marine waters. This paper describes the diversity of 60 strains isolated from benthic habitats in 9 sites (intertidal zones) on the Portuguese South and West coasts. The strains were characterized by a morphological study (light and electron microscopy) and by a molecular characterization (partial 16S rRNA, nifH, nifK, mcyA, mcyE/ndaF, sxtl genes). The morphological analyses revealed 35 morphotypes (15 genera and 16 species) belonging to 4 cyanobacterial Orders/Subsections. The dominant groups among the isolates were the Oscillatoriales. There is a broad congruence between morphological and molecular assignments. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of 9 strains have less than 97% similarity compared to the sequences in the databases, revealing novel cyanobacterial diversity. Phylogenetic analysis, based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences showed at least 12 clusters. One-third of the isolates are potential N-2-fixers, as they exhibit heterocysts or the presence of nif genes was demonstrated by PCR. Additionally, no conventional freshwater toxins genes were detected by PCR screening.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10