Two types of endosymbiotic bacteria in the enigmatic marine worm Xenoturbella bocki.

ABSTRACT: Two types of endosymbiotic bacteria were identified in the gastrodermis of the marine invertebrate Xenoturbella bocki (Xenoturbellida, Bilateria). While previously described Chlamydia-like endosymbionts were rare, Gammaproteobacteria distantly related to other endosymbionts and pathogens were abundant. The endosymbionts should be considered when interpreting the poorly understood ecology and evolution of Xenoturbella.

SUBMITTER: Kjeldsen KU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2849209 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature