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An Aquatic Microbial Metaproteomics Workflow: From Cells to Tryptic Peptides Suitable for Tandem Mass Spectrometry-based Analysis

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Published on: September 15, 2015

Genome divergence in two Prochlorococcus ecotypes reflects oceanic niche differentiation.

Gabrielle Rocap¹, Frank W Larimer, Jane Lamerdin

¹School of Oceanography, University Of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.

|August 15, 2003

Summary

Comparing two Prochlorococcus strains reveals dynamic genomes. These marine cyanobacteria (Prochlorococcus) show significant genomic differences, influencing their adaptation to varying light conditions and ocean distribution.

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Area of Science:

Marine microbiology
Genomics
Photosynthesis

Background:

Prochlorococcus is a globally abundant marine cyanobacterium, crucial for oceanic photosynthesis.
It is the smallest known oxygen-evolving autotroph, dominating phytoplankton populations in tropical and subtropical waters.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare the genomes of two Prochlorococcus strains with significant evolutionary divergence.
To understand how genomic differences relate to distinct light-adaptation strategies and oceanic distribution.

Main Methods:

Comparative genomics of two Prochlorococcus strains adapted to different light intensities.
Analysis of genome size, gene content, and evolutionary history (gene retention, duplication, lateral transfer).

Main Results:

The high-light-adapted strain possesses a smaller genome (1.66 Mbp, 1,716 genes) than the low-light-adapted strain (2.41 Mbp, 2,275 genes).
Significant differences in gene content exist, with unique genes acquired through various evolutionary mechanisms.
Shared genes (1,350) and unique genes contribute to ecotype fitness and environmental adaptation.

Conclusions:

Prochlorococcus genomes are dynamic and shaped by environmental selection pressures.
Genomic variation plays a key role in the ecological success and distribution of Prochlorococcus ecotypes in the ocean.