Diel expression of cell cycle-related genes in synchronized cultures of Prochlorococcus sp. strain PCC 9511.

ABSTRACT: The cell cycle of the chlorophyll b-possessing marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus is highly synchronized under natural conditions. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms we cloned and sequenced dnaA and ftsZ, two key cell cycle-associated genes, and studied their expression. An axenic culture of Prochlorococcus sp. strain PCC 9511 was grown in a turbidostat with a 12 h-12 h light-dark cycle for 2 weeks. During the light periods, a dynamic light regimen was used in order to simulate the natural conditions found in the upper layers of the world's oceans. This treatment resulted in strong cell cycle synchronization that was monitored by flow cytometry. The steady-state mRNA levels of dnaA and ftsZ were monitored at 4-h intervals during four consecutive division cycles. Both gene

SUBMITTER: Holtzendorff J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC94958 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature