Phylogenetic diversity and specificity of bacteria closely associated with Alexandrium spp. and other phytoplankton.

ABSTRACT: While several studies have suggested that bacterium-phytoplankton interactions have the potential to dramatically influence harmful algal bloom dynamics, little is known about how bacteria and phytoplankton communities interact at the species composition level. The objective of the current study was to determine whether there are specific associations between diverse phytoplankton and the bacteria that co-occur with them. We determined the phylogenetic diversity of bacterial assemblages associated with 10 Alexandrium strains and representatives of the major taxonomic groups of phytoplankton in the Gulf of Maine. For this analysis we chose xenic phytoplankton cultures that (i) represented a broad taxonomic range, (ii) represented a broad geographic range for Alexandrium spp. isolates, (iii)

SUBMITTER: Jasti S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1169014 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature