DISSECTING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO PHOSPHORUS STRESS IN MARINE SYNECHOCOCCUS ISOLATES (CYANOPHYCEAE)1

Sophie Mazard*, William H. Wilson, Dave J. Scanlan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

<jats:p>Marine <jats:italic>Synechococcus</jats:italic> is ubiquitous in aquatic environments. However, distinct phylogenetic lineages of this genus have a complex ecological distribution that is not fully explained. Here, we undertook a broad study of the phosphorus (P)–related behavior of marine <jats:italic>Synechococcus</jats:italic> isolates from all previously described ribotypes (sensu <jats:ext-link xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#b16">Fuller et al. 2003</jats:ext-link>). A wide variability in P‐related physiology was noted among members of this genus, particularly in the utilization of organic P sources. However, some characteristics (e.g., cell size change during P limitation and the ability to accumulate polyphosphate) were largely consistent with their phylogenetic lineage and inferred ecology, with clear distinctions between oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and opportunistic lineages. Similarly, the ability to induce protein expression in response to P limitation was consistent with the presence/absence of <jats:italic>phoB</jats:italic>/<jats:italic>R</jats:italic> regulatory capacity of the corresponding strain. Taxonomic differences in P uptake, storage, and utilization strategies could explain the ubiquitous distribution of marine <jats:italic>Synechococcus</jats:italic> throughout the world’s oceans and explain the coexistence and/or ecological partitioning of multiple phototrophic taxa in the photic zone of tropical and subtropical oligotrophic oceans.</jats:p>
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)94-105
Number of pages0
JournalJournal of Phycology
Volume48
Issue number1
Early online date12 Dec 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2012

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