Isolation and description of a globally distributed cryosphere cyanobacterium from Antarctica
Abstract
A previously uncultured cyanobacterium, strain KNUA009, was axenically isolated from a meltwater stream on Barton Peninsula, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Molecular evidences showed that the isolate belongs to groups of globally distributed cryosphere cyanobacterial clones and this new isolate represents the first laboratory culture to be assigned to these groups. Strain KNUA009 was able to thrive at low temperatures ranging between 5°C and 20°C, but did not survive at temperatures of 25°C and above. As the isolate morphologically resembled Oscillatoria species, it is suggested that this cyanobacterium may represent a new species clade with cold resistance within the genus Oscillatoria.
Keywords Barton Peninsular; cryosphere cyanobacteria; King George Island; uncultured Oscillatoria species.
(Published: 8 August 2013)
Citation: Polar Research 2013, 32, 18529, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v32i0.18529
Downloads
Authors contributing to Polar Research retain copyright of their work, with first publication rights granted to the Norwegian Polar Institute. Read the journal's full Copyright- and Licensing Policy.