Prevalence and Evolution of Core Photosystem II Genes in Marine Cyanobacterial Viruses and Their Hosts
2006
Cyanophages and Photosynthesis Genes
Sample size: 42
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Matthew Sullivan, Debbie Lindell, Sallie Chisholm
Hypothesis
How widespread are PSII genes in cyanophages and where did they come from?
Conclusion
Cyanophages carry and exchange photosynthesis genes with their cyanobacterial hosts, enhancing their own fitness.
Supporting Evidence
- 88% of the cyanophages studied had the psbA gene.
- 50% of the cyanophages studied had the psbD gene.
- psbA was present in all myoviruses and all Prochlorococcus podoviruses.
- psbD was found in four of the 20 Prochlorococcus myoviruses and 17 of the 20 Synechococcus myoviruses.
- Evidence of intragenic recombination was confirmed among Synechococcus myoviruses and Prochlorococcus podoviruses.
Takeaway
Some viruses that infect ocean bacteria can use the bacteria's genes to help them make food from sunlight.
Methodology
The study involved examining 33 cyanophage isolates and analyzing their genetic sequences.
Limitations
More information about the physiological characteristics of cyanophages is needed.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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