Genomic insights into diverse bacterial taxa that degrade extracellular DNA in marine sediments.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular DNA is a major macromolecule in global element cycles, and is a particularly crucial phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon source for microorganisms in the seafloor. Nevertheless, the identities, ecophysiology and genetic features of DNA-foraging microorganisms in marine sediments are largely unknown. Here, we combined microcosm experiments, DNA stable isotope probing (SIP), single-cell SIP using nano-scale secondary isotope mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) and genome-centric metagenomics to study microbial catabolism of DNA and its subcomponents in marine sediments. ¹³C-DNA added to sediment microcosms was largely degraded within 10 d and mineralized to ¹³CO₂. SIP probing of DNA revealed diverse 'Candidatus Izemoplasma', Lutibacter, Shewanella and Fusi

SUBMITTER: Wasmund K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8289736 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature