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Dimorphism in methane seep-dwelling ecotypes of the largest known bacteria.


ABSTRACT: We present evidence for a dimorphic life cycle in the vacuolate sulfide-oxidizing bacteria that appears to involve the attachment of a spherical Thiomargarita-like cell to the exteriors of invertebrate integuments and other benthic substrates at methane seeps. The attached cell elongates to produce a stalk-like form before budding off spherical daughter cells resembling free-living Thiomargarita that are abundant in surrounding sulfidic seep sediments. The relationship between the attached parent cell and free-living daughter cell is reminiscent of the dimorphic life modes of the prosthecate Alphaproteobacteria, but on a grand scale, with individual elongate cells reaching nearly a millimeter in length. Abundant growth of attached Thiomargarita-like bacteria on the integuments of gastropods and other seep fauna provides not only a novel ecological niche for these giant bacteria, but also for animals that may benefit from epibiont colonization.

SUBMITTER: Bailey JV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3223306 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Dimorphism in methane seep-dwelling ecotypes of the largest known bacteria.

Bailey Jake V JV   Salman Verena V   Rouse Gregory W GW   Schulz-Vogt Heide N HN   Schulz-Vogt Heide N HN   Levin Lisa A LA   Orphan Victoria J VJ  

The ISME journal 20110623 12


We present evidence for a dimorphic life cycle in the vacuolate sulfide-oxidizing bacteria that appears to involve the attachment of a spherical Thiomargarita-like cell to the exteriors of invertebrate integuments and other benthic substrates at methane seeps. The attached cell elongates to produce a stalk-like form before budding off spherical daughter cells resembling free-living Thiomargarita that are abundant in surrounding sulfidic seep sediments. The relationship between the attached paren  ...[more]

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