A. elisabethae microbiome analysis (V1/V2 region)
Bacterial 16S rDNA amplicons from octocorals and water DNA samples were sequenced by Research and Testing Laboratories (RTL; Lubbock, TX) as described previously [Callaway et al. 2009 Poult Sci. 88:298; Wolcott et al.2009 BMC Micobiol 9:226]. A portion of the 16S rRNA gene encompassing the V1 to V3 variable regions was amplified from pooled nearly full-length 16S rDNA PCR amplicons (amplified using pA (5’-AGAGTTTGATCCTGGCTCAG) and pH (5’-AAGGAGGTGATCCAGCCGCA primers) (20 ng) using the primer pair pA and 16S519r (5’ – GAATTACCGCGGCGGCTG).