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English
Publikasjoner

Diversity and distribution of nano- and picoeukaryotes in the Southern Ocean as revealed by 454-pyrosequencing, clone libraries and microscopy

Vitenskapelig foredrag
Publiseringsår
2011
Eksterne nettsted
Cristin
Prosjekt
Forfattere
Bente Edvardsen, Lars Nersveen, Tonie Leonora Torgrimsby, Anette Engesmo, Elianne Sirnæs Egge, Wenche Eikrem

Sammendrag

In this study we explored the diversity and distribution of planktonic nano- and picoeukaryotes in Antarctic waters by combining 454-pyrosequencing, clone libraries and electron microscopy. Water samples were collected and physico-chemical parameters measured during summer 2008 with the Norwegian R/V G.O. Sars in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, at stations along a transect (15°E) between 45-67o S. Ribosomal DNA of plankton in the size range 0.8-35µm was amplified with universal eukaryotic and haptophyte specific primers followed by pyro- and Sanger sequencing. Most rDNA sequences could not be assigned to a cultured and sequenced species (at ≥99,3% identity level) indicating that a large fraction of the plankton community remains to be genetically characterized. Electron microscopy revealed some of this diversity, but more cultured strains are needed as reference for a precise identification. The taxonomic groups represented with highest number of clones/reads were dinoflagellates, stramenopiles and haptophytes. The species composition was significantly different at the northernmost station compared to further south, suggesting that nano- and picoeukaryote species composition and distribution may serve as indicators of climate change in polar waters.