Symbiotic relationship of Thiothrix spp. with an echinoderm

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1998 · Applied and Environmental Microbiology

OSTI ID:658987

Brigmon, R L ^[1]; De Ridder, C ^[2]

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1. Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
2. Univ. Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels (Belgium). Lab. de Biologie Marine

Thiothrix-like bacteria have been reported as symbionts in invertebrates from sulfide-rich habitats. Isolation of these symbiotic Thiothrix-like bacteria has failed, and the organisms have not been previously identified with certainty. The genus Thiothrix was created for ensheathed filamentous bacteria that oxidize sulfide and deposit sulfur granules internally, attach to substrates, produce gliding gonidia, and form rosettes. Immunoassay procedures were used to investigate the symbiotic relationship of Thiothrix spp. in the intestinal cecum of the spatangoid species Echinocardium cordatum. Thiothrix spp. were identified in nodule samples from E. cordatum digestive tubes based on microscopic examination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and indirect immunofluorescence. Thiothrix spp. protein made up as much as 84% of the total protein content of the nodules. This is the first identification of Thiothrix spp. internally symbiotic with marine invertebrates.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• OSTI ID: 658987
• Journal Information: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Journal Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 64; ISSN AEMIDF; ISSN 0099-2240
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BACTERIA
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
ECHINODERMS
METABOLISM
SULFIDES
SYMBIOSIS
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL