16S rRNA Gene-Based Metagenomic Analysis of Ozark Cave Bacteria.

ABSTRACT: The microbial diversity within cave ecosystems is largely unknown. Ozark caves maintain a year-round stable temperature (12-14 °C), but most parts of the caves experience complete darkness. The lack of sunlight and geological isolation from surface-energy inputs generate nutrient-poor conditions that may limit species diversity in such environments. Although microorganisms play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth and impacting human health, little is known about their diversity, ecology, and evolution in community structures. We used five Ozark region caves as test sites for exploring bacterial diversity and monitoring long-term biodiversity. Illumina MiSeq sequencing of five cave soil samples and a control sample revealed a total of 49 bacterial phyla, with seven major phyla: Prote

SUBMITTER: Oliveira C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5856467 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature