Distinctive physiology of polyphosphate-accumulating <i>Beggiatoa</i> suggests an important role in benthic phosphorus cycling.

ABSTRACT: Filamentous sulfide-oxidizing Beggiatoa spp., which occasionally form extensive white microbial mats, are widespread in marine coastal environments and can achieve significant biomass because of their large size. Their ability to store phosphates in the polymerized form of polyphosphates makes them potential key players in altering the phosphorus (P) cycle at the sediment-water interface. This study examined phosphate uptake and polyphosphate formation in a P-starved culture of Beggiatoa sp. 35Flor strain. Remarkably, even after sustained P starvation over five generations, the mat establishment rate of the examined culture was 46%, demonstrating considerable plasticity in response to different levels of phosphate availability. Under these P-depleted conditions, at least 17%

SUBMITTER: Iakovchuk N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12094007 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature