Ubiquitous marine bacterium inhibits diatom cell division.
Intricate relationships between microorganisms structure the exchange of molecules between taxa, driving their physiology and evolution. On a global scale, this molecular trade is an integral component of biogeochemical cycling. As important microorganisms in the world's oceans, diatoms and bacteria have a large impact on marine biogeochemistry. Here, we describe antagonistic effects of the globally distributed flavobacterium Croceibacter atlanticus on a phylogenetically diverse group of diatoms. We used the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana to study the antagonistic impact in more detail. In co-culture, C. atlanticus attaches to T. pseudonana and inhibits cell division, inducing diatom cells to become larger and increase in chlorophyll a fluorescence. These changes could be explained by an absence of cytokinesis that causes individual T. pseudonana cells to elongate, accumulate more plastids and become polyploid. These morphological changes could benefit C. atlanticus by augmenting the colonizable surface area of the diatom, its photosynthetic capabilities and possibly its metabolic secretions.
School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Helena M
0000-0001-9903-745X
HM
van Tol
Department of Chemistry, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.|Department of Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Shady A
SA
Amin
School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
E Virginia
EV
Armbrust
D000898:Antibiosis; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D002455:Cell Division; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000378:metabolism; D000077194:Chlorophyll A; D017377:Diatoms / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D010788:Photosynthesis; D010802:Phylogeny; D012623:Seawater / Q000382:microbiology*
D002734:Chlorophyll; D000077194:Chlorophyll A