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Surface properties of SAR11 bacteria facilitate grazing avoidance
Ayelet Dadon-Pilosof1,2, Keats R Conley3, Yuval Jacobi4,5
1The School of Marine Science, Ruppin Academic Center, 4029700, Michmoret, Israel. ayelet@ruppin.ac.il.
Nature Microbiology
|October 4, 2017
Summary
Marine bacteria, particularly SAR 11, evade filter feeders by possessing a non-stick cell surface. This adaptation allows them to avoid predation, unlike other bacteria and particles of similar size.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Aquatic ecology
- Biogeochemical cycles
Background:
- Oceanic ecosystems are driven by microorganisms.
- Microorganisms utilize nutrient patches for survival.
- Predation shapes microbial community structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate microbial evasion of filter feeders.
- Determine the role of cell surface properties in predator-prey interactions.
- Analyze the filtration of marine bacteria by tunicates.
Main Methods:
- In situ sampling techniques.
- Next-generation sequencing for phylotype analysis.
- Reversed-phase chromatography for cell surface characterization.
Main Results:
- SAR 11 clade bacteria, including Pelagibacter ubique, evade tunicate mucous filtration.
- 0.3 µm beads and other bacteria are filtered, but SAR 11 members are not.
- SAR 11 bacteria exhibit significantly less hydrophobic cell surfaces compared to other planktonic bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial surface hydrophobicity influences filtration and predator avoidance.
- A non-stick cell surface is a key adaptation for SAR 11 survival against mucous filter feeders.
- Cell surface properties are critical in marine microbial predator-prey dynamics.
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