Horizontal transmission of symbiotic bacteria and host selective sweep in the giant clam <i>Tridacna crocea</i>.

ABSTRACT: Giant clams, with their significant ecological importance, depend on associated bacteria for their health and development, yet the transmission modes and succession of community dynamics of these bacteria remain poorly understood. This study employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and microscopy to investigate the transmission and community dynamics of symbiotic bacteria in the giant clam Tridacna crocea during early developmental stages (fertilized eggs, blastocyst, D-larvae, and pediveliger larvae). Fluorescence in situ hybridization and transmission electron microscopy did not detect internal symbiotic bacteria in fertilized eggs and adult gonad gametes, but scanning electron microscopy revealed microbial structures on egg surface microvilli, suggesting their role as microbial carriers

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11919647 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature