Unveiling the organisms behind novel eukaryotic ribosomal DNA sequences from the ocean.

ABSTRACT: Despite the fact that the smallest eukaryotes (cells less than 5 micro m in diameter) play key roles in marine food webs, particularly in open oligotrophic areas, the study of their in situ diversity started just one year ago. Perhaps the most remarkable finding of the most recent studies has been the discovery of completely new phylogenetic lineages, such as novel clades belonging to the stramenopile and alveolate phyla. The two new groups account for a significant fraction of clones in genetic libraries from North Atlantic, equatorial Pacific, Antarctic, and Mediterranean Sea waters. However, the identities and ecological relevance of these organisms remain unknown. Here we investigate the phylogenetic relationships, morphology, in situ abundance, and ecological role of novel stramenopil

SUBMITTER: Massana R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC124113 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature