title: Bacterial diversity and function in the Baltic Sea with an emphasis on cyanobacteria.
abstract: In this article we summarize the current knowledge of Baltic Sea cyanobacteria, focusing on diversity, toxicity, and nitrogen fixation in the filamentous heterocystous taxa. We also review the recent results of our microbial diversity studies in planktonic and benthic habitats in the Baltic Sea. Based on molecular analyses, we have improved the understanding of cyanobacterial population structure by assessing genetic diversity within species that are morphologically inseparable. Moreover, we have studied microbial functions such as toxin production and nitrogen fixation in situ under different environmental conditions. Phosphorus limitation of bloom-forming, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria was clearly verified, emphasizing the importance of continuous efforts to reduce this element in the Baltic Sea. We have designed a rapid and reliable detection method for the toxic cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena, which can be used to study bloom formation of this important toxin producer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Finland. kaarina.sivonen@helsinki.fi
authors.forename: Kaarina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sivonen
authors.forename: Katrianna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Halinen
authors.forename: Leila M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sihvonen
authors.forename: Kerttu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koskenniemi
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sinkko
authors.forename: Kaisa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rantasärkkä
authors.forename: Pia H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Moisander
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lyra
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000378:metabolism*; D001454:Baltic States; D044822:Biodiversity; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005387:Finland; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009586:Nitrogen Fixation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D046932:Nodularia / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010802:Phylogeny; D011156:Population Density; D012623:Seawater / Q000382:microbiology*; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D001427:Bacterial Toxins