Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS14 Microbial Diversity (Disciplinary Connections)

Date: Monday, February 12, 2001, Time: 2:15:00 PM

Location: Brazos

Chistoserdov, A, Y, Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA, andrei@notes.cc.sunysb.edu

Madrid, V, M, Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA, madrid@msrc.sunysb.edu

Taylor, G, T, Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA, gtaylor@notes.cc.sunysb.edu

Scranton, M, I, Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA, mscranton@notes.cc.sunysb.edu

PHYLOGENETIC DIVERSITY OF PROKARYOTIC COMMUNITIES IN THE CARIACO BASIN

Four microbial community samples collected from the redox interface and anoxic zones (320, 500 and 1310 m) of the Cariaco Basin were used to construct 16S rRNA, RubisCO I and II gene libraries. Gamma proteobacterial sequences were the most abundant group of proteobacteria in the transition zone 16S rDNA library. The majority of these sequences was related to 16S rRNA of sulfur-oxidizing symbionts of bivalves and 16S rDNA sequences retrieved from marine sediments. Epsilon proteobacteria were dominant in the 16S rDNA library created for the 320 m sample (anoxic zone), ~100 m below the redox interface, and closely related to ectosymbionts of Rimicaris exoculata and Alvinella pompejana. High levels of dark inorganic carbon fixation were observed in the 320 m sample suggesting that these epsilon proteobacteria are chemolithotrophs. Both RubisCO I and II were readily amplified from the redox transition zone and 320 m samples. Overall, composition and diversity in 500 and 1310 m 16S rDNA libraries resemble those from several anaerobic sediments, supporting the hypothesis that the anoxic zone of the Cariaco water column is similar to anaerobic sediments.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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