Identification of the sources of energy for nitrogen fixation and physiological characterization of nitrogen-fixing members of a marine microbial mat community

Article Abstract:

The energy sources for nitrogen fixation in a marine microbial mat were determined and the nitrogen-fixing microorganisms within the mat were characterized. Experimental manipulation were performed to determine their effects on the normally high rates of nitrogen fixation at night. The results suggest that nitrogen fixation in these mats may be attributed to the activities of nonheterocystous cyanobacteria utilizing photosynthetically generated storage compounds under anoxic conditions at night.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Diversity of heterotrophic nitrogen fixation genes in a marine cyanobacterial mat

Article Abstract:

Amplification of nifH fragments encoding the iron protein of the nitrogen complex shows that there are diverse heterotrophic nitrogen-fixing organisms in marine cyanobacterial mats and these nitrogen fixing organisms are present in large numbers during a particular time of the year. There were no cyanobacterial nifH sequences in mat in November, however cyanobacterium Lynghya lagerheimeli related sequences were found in summers.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

High rates of sulfate reduction in a low-sulfate hot spring microbial mat are driven by a low level of diversity of sulfate-respiring microorganisms

Article Abstract:

The importance of sulfate respiration in the microbial mat is evaluated using a combination of molecular, microelectrode and radiotracer studies. This mat community shows to sustain a highly active sulfur cycle.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code: