Phylogenetic diversity of nifH genes in the euphotic zone of the southwest Indian Ocean

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-909X.2015.03.008

Abstract

Abstract: Our knowledge on diazotrophs is limited in the Indian Ocean, which is considered an important source of biological N₂ fixation of the global ocean. Phylogenetic diversity of nifH genes in the southwest Indian Ocean was studied through cloning and sequencing methods. After sequences were checked, two nifH gene libraries were established. Overall, 76 nifH gene sequences are recovered from Station CTD13, including 46 nifH gene sequences of 10 OTUs from libraries CTD13-30 m, and 30 nifH gene sequences of 8 OTUs from libraries CTD13-125 m, respectively. Results of phylogenetic analysis show that most nifH gene sequences fall into Cluster I and III, only 3 recovered nifH gene sequences are grouped with Cluster II. In Cluster I, most of nifH gene sequences cluster with unicellular cyanobacteria Group B, while in Cluster III, most nifH gene sequences are closely related with uncultured clone from active sludge. No nifH gene sequences clustered with Trichodesmium are recovered, which may be attributed to low water temperature. In general, diazotroph community in the southwest Indian Ocean is different from those in tropical and subtropical oligotrophic ocean.

Key words: diazotroph, nifH gene, diversity, the southwest Indian Ocean

CLC Number:

Q938.1

XIE Shang-wei, YANG Jun-yi, ZHANG Dong-sheng, WANG Chun-sheng. Phylogenetic diversity of nifH genes in the euphotic zone of the southwest Indian Ocean[J]. Journal of Marine Sciences, 2015, 33(3): 54-61.

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