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Phototrophic consortia: model systems for symbiotic interrelations between prokaryotes
Jörg Overmann1, Karin Schubert
1Institut für Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Universität München, Maria-Ward-Strasse 1a, 80638 Munich, Germany. j.overmann@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
Archives of Microbiology
|March 22, 2002
Summary
Prokaryotic consortia, associations of different bacteria, represent complex interactions. These phototrophic consortia involve green sulfur bacteria and a central beta-proteobacterium, facilitating nutrient exchange and motility.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Symbiotic Interactions
- Prokaryotic Ecology
Background:
- Few prokaryotes form symbiotic relationships with other prokaryotes.
- Highly structured associations, termed consortia, represent advanced bacterial interactions.
- Phototrophic consortia, featuring green sulfur bacteria and a central chemotrophic bacterium, are prevalent in some environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure and function of phototrophic bacterial consortia.
- To identify the bacterial types involved in these associations.
- To explore the mechanisms of inter-bacterial communication and coevolution.
Main Methods:
- Direct microscopic investigations.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Microautoradiography and chemotaxis assays.
Main Results:
- Phototrophic consortia consist of green sulfur bacteria (epibionts) surrounding a beta-proteobacterium (central bacterium).
- Epibionts perform photolithoautotrophy using sulfide; the consortium utilizes organic compounds like 2-oxoglutarate.
- Consortia exhibit light-dependent motility (scotophobic response), indicating signal exchange.
Conclusions:
- Phototrophic consortia demonstrate intricate inter-species cooperation and nutrient cycling.
- The central bacterium provides motility, while epibionts sense light.
- These consortia are valuable models for studying prokaryotic cell-cell recognition, signaling, and coevolution.