Abstract
Payne, M. C., Johansen, J. R., & Boyer, S. L.Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH 44118 USAPartial 16SrRNA sequence data were obtained from 17 strains of desert soil Leptolyngbya from three sites in the western United States to determine phylogenetic relationships. The resulting sequence data was aligned and analyzed with currently published sequence data from other cyanobacteria within the genus Microcoleus (outgroup) and other Leptolyngbya. Phylogenetic analysis using the optimality criteria of parsimony, distance, and maximum likelihood all gave trees with nearly identical topology that were well supported by their respective boot‐strap analyses. A large well‐supported clade contained 11 of our Leptolyngbya strains and the two Leptolyngbya sequences on GenBank. One unusual, calyptrate Leptolyngbya was molecularly similar to Microcoleus. One strain, with the classic sheath morphology of Schizothrix, was distinct in its 16S rRNA sequence from both Leptolyngbya and Microcoleus. Two other strains were distinct from all strains in our tree. We suspect that Leptolyngbya as currently delineated contains multiple genera and many cryptic genospecies with highly similar morphology. Additional phenotypic characterization using other character sets is warranted. There was some evidence for limited operon‐specific variability in the 16S rRNA gene in our strains.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
