The First Molecular Characterization of Picocyanobacteria from the Argentine Sea

Abstract

Picocyanobacteria are abundant throughout the world's oceans. Particularly, it has been reported that Synechococcus strains have a wide latitudinal distribution, from polar to tropical waters. However, their molecular characterization in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean is still missing. We analyzed Synechococcus genetic diversity in a sector of the Argentine Sea, one of the richest biological areas of the world oceans. 16S rRNA amplicons obtained after PCR amplification of environmental DNA extracted from water samples of this area were used for DGGE and sequenced. Only Synechococcus sequences could be retrieved. On the other hand, we isolated two Synechococcus strains from the environment. Our analyses revealed that the clade I group was widespread from latitude 38 ∘ S to 48 ∘ S and that can coexist with clade IV strains in shelf waters. The cooccurrence of these two clades may be related to an adaptation to high-nutrient/low-temperature waters. Our data are the first report on Synechococcus ecotypes that would be important contributors to phytoplankton biomass in the Argentine Sea, one of the richest biological areas of the world oceans.

Wind modulation of upwelling at the shelf‐break front off Patagonia: Observational evidence

“…During GEF-1 and GEF-3 the CTD was equipped with a SeaPoint Chl-a fluorescence sensor. In addition, 5 L water samples were collected with a 12 bottle rosette sampler for analysis of dissolved oxygen and Chl-a concentration among other biological parameters [Lutz et al, 2010;G omez et al, 2011;Segura et al, 2013;Perez-Cenci et al, 2014;Carreto et al, 2016]. Water samples were collected at the surface and at 2-3 selected depths (i.e., within and below fluorescence maxima), and Chl-a extraction was performed using a fluorometric method as well as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) [Lutz et al, 2010;Carreto et al, 2016].…”

Bio-optical characteristics along the Straits of Magallanes

“…Genetic tools are being used nowadays to describe different types (clades, ecotypes, strains) of Synechococcus, which have different physiological capacities to acclimate to different environmental conditions. This genetic diversity explains the widespread global distribution of Synechococcus, and would render this genus well suited to adapt to changes occurring in the ocean (Zwirglmaier et al, 2008;Mackey et al, 2013;Flombaum et al, 2013;Jodlowska and Sliwinska, 2014;Pittera et al, 2014;Perez-Cenci et al, 2014).…”