Chloroflexus-like organisms from marine and hypersaline environments: Distribution and diversity
B K Pierson1, D Valdez, M Larsen
1Biology Department, University of Puget Sound, 98416, Tacoma, WA, USA.
Photosynthesis Research
|December 7, 2013
Summary
Diverse Chloroflexus-like organisms thrive in marine and hypersaline mats. These bacteria utilize near-infrared light for photosynthesis, with some strains showing photoautotrophic growth.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Photosynthesis Research
- Extremophile Studies
Background:
- Microbial mats are complex ecosystems found in diverse environments.
- Chloroflexus-like organisms are known anoxygenic phototrophs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of Chloroflexus-like organisms in intertidal marine and hypersaline microbial mats.
- To determine the photosynthetic activity and light utilization of these organisms in situ.
Main Methods:
- Microscopy techniques including light, infrared fluorescence, and electron microscopy.
- Spectroradiometry to analyze light penetration in microbial mat layers.
- Autoradiography to assess photosynthetic activity and light wavelengths used.
Main Results:
- Identified diverse Chloroflexus-like organisms in both intertidal marine and hypersaline mats.
- Hypersaline strains exhibited larger size and more complex ultrastructure compared to intertidal ones.
- Confirmed Chloroflexus-like organisms as major constituents of hypersaline mats.
- Demonstrated sulfide-dependent photoautotrophic activity sustained by near-infrared radiation (750 nm).
Conclusions:
- Chloroflexus-like organisms are significant components of hypersaline microbial mats.
- These organisms are adapted to utilize near-infrared light for photosynthesis in their native environments.
- Three distinct strains were isolated, with one showing photoautotrophic growth, indicating potential for further study.
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