Direct analysis of sulfate reducing bacterial communities in gas hydrate-impacted marine sediments by PCR-DGGE.
Molecular investigations of the sulfate reducing bacteria that target the dissimilatory sulfite-reductase subunit A gene (dsr A) are plagued by the nonspecific performance of conventional PCR primers. Here we describe the incorporation of the FailSafe PCR System to optimize environmental analysis of dsr A by PCR amplification and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. PCR-DGGE analysis of dsr A composition revealed that SRB diversity was greater and more variable throughout the vertical profile of a marine sediment core obtained from a gas hydrate site (GC234) in the Gulf of Mexico than in a sediment core collected from a nearby site devoid of gas hydrates (NBP). Depth profiled dsr B abundance corresponded with sulfate reduction rates at both sites, though measurements were higher at GC234. This study exemplifies the numerical and functional importance of sulfate reducing bacteria in deep-sea sedimentary environments, and incremental methodological advancements, as described herein, will continue to streamline the analysis of sulfate reducer communities in situ.
Bagwell
Christopher E
CE
Savannah River National Laboratory, Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology, Aiken, SC 29803, USA. Christopher.bagwell@srnl.doe.gov
Formolo
Michael
M
Ye
Qi
Q
Yeager
Chris M
CM
Lyons
Timothy W
TW
Zhang
Chuanlun L
CL