Cluster formation in liverwort-associated methylobacteria and its implications |
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Authors: | U Kutschera J Thomas M Hornschuh |
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Institution: | 1.Institut für Biologie,Universit?t Kassel,Kassel,Germany |
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Abstract: | Pink-pigmented methylotropic bacteria of the genus Methylobacterium inhabit the surfaces of plant organs. In bryophytes, these methylobacteria enhance cell growth, but the nature of this plant–microbe
interaction is largely unknown. In this study, methylobacteria were isolated from the upper surface of the free-living thalli
of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L. Identification of one strain by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene-targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other data
show that these microbes represent an undescribed species of the genus Methylobacterium (Methylobacterium sp.). The growth-promoting activity of these wild-type methylobacteria was tested and compared with that of the type strain
Methylobacterium mesophilicum. Both types of methylobacteria stimulated surface expansion of isolated gemmae from Marchantia polymorpha by about 350%. When suspended in water, the liverwort-associated bacteria (Methylobacterium sp.) formed dense clusters of up to 600 cells. In liquid cultures of Methylobacterium mesophilicum, single cells were observed, but no clustering occurred. We suggest that the liverwort-associated methylobacteria are co-evolved
symbionts of the plants: Cluster formation may be a behavior that enhances the survival of the epiphytic microbes during periods
of drought of these desiccation-tolerant lower plants. |
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Keywords: | Methylobacterium Cluster formation Liverwort Methylotrophic bacteria |
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