The diversity of microorganisms associated with Acromyrmex leafcutter ants.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Molecular biological techniques are dramatically changing our view of microbial diversity in almost any environment that has so far been investigated. This study presents a systematic survey of the microbial diversity associated with a population of Acromyrmex leafcutter ants. In contrast to previous studies on social insects, which targeted specific groups of symbionts occurring in the gut (termites, Tetraponera ants) or in specialised cells (Camponotus ants) the objective of our present study was to do a total screening of all possible micro-organisms that can be found inside the bodies of these leafcutter ants.

Results

We amplified, cloned and sequenced SSU rRNA encoding gene fragments from 9 microbial groups known to have insect-associated representatives, and

SUBMITTER: Van Borm S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC113273 | biostudies-literature | 2002 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature