Abstract
Terrestrial cyanobacteria are very diverse and widely distributed in Antarctica, where they can form macroscopically visible biofilms on the surfaces of soils and rocks, and on benthic surfaces in fresh waters. We recently isolated several terrestrial cyanobacteria from soils collected on Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica. Among them, we found a novel species of Nodosilinea, named here as Nodosilinea signiensis sp. nov. This new species is morphologically and genetically distinct from other described species. Morphological examination indicated that the new species is differentiated from others in the genus by cell size, cell shape, filament attenuation, sheath morphology and granulation. 16S rDNA phylogenetic analyses clearly confirmed that N. signiensis belongs to the genus Nodosilinea, but that it is genetically distinct from other known species of Nodosilinea. The D1-D1´ helix of the 16S-23S ITS region of the new species was also different from previously described Nodosilinea species. This is the first detailed characterization of a member of the genus Nodosilinea from Antarctica as well as being a newly described species.
Highlights
Cyanobacteria are a widely distributed group of oxygenic photosynthetic prokaryotes that possess chlorophyll a and phycobiliproteins [1]
We report the polyphasic characterization of a cyanobacterial strain superficially resembling Leptolyngbya, recently isolated from soils collected on Signy Island
New algal material was collected from Signy Island in the 2015/16 austral summer season under permit number 46/2015 issued under the United Kingdom Antarctic Act
Summary
Cyanobacteria are a widely distributed group of oxygenic photosynthetic prokaryotes that possess chlorophyll a and phycobiliproteins [1]. Despite their widespread occurrence and ecological importance, the taxonomy of cyanobacteria remains problematic. Cyanobacterial classification has recently undergone rapid revision based on the use of polyphasic approaches to define new taxa [2]. These approaches combine molecular characterization with cytomorphological and ecological characteristics and have been used to erect and describe new taxa and for the validation of classically described taxa [3, 4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
