scholarly journals Development of a Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection and Quantification of Rhizobium leguminosarum Bacteria and Discrimination between Different Biovars in Zinc-Contaminated Soil

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (13) ◽  
pp. 4626-4633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catriona A. Macdonald ◽  
Ian M. Clark ◽  
Penny R. Hirsch ◽  
Fang-Jie Zhao ◽  
Steve P. McGrath
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rhizobium Leguminosarum ◽  
Gene Copy Number ◽  
Gene Copy ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gene Copies

ABSTRACTPrimers were designed to target 16S rRNA andnodDgenes ofRhizobium leguminosarumfrom DNA extracted from two different soil types contaminated with Zn applied in sewage sludge. Numbers of rhizobia estimated using 16S rRNA gene copy number showed higher abundance than those estimated by bothnodDand the most-probable-number (MPN) enumeration method using a plant trap host. Both 16S rRNA gene copies and the MPN rhizobia declined with increased levels of Zn contamination, as did the abundance of the functional genenodD, providing compelling evidence of a toxic effect of Zn onR. leguminosarumpopulations in the soil. Regression analysis suggested the total Zn concentration in soil as a better predictor of rhizobial numbers than both NH4NO3-extractable and soil solution Zn.R. leguminosarumbv. viciaenodDgene copies were generally less sensitive to Zn thanR. leguminosarumbv. trifoliinodD.The latter were generally below detection limits at Zn levels of >250 mg kg−1. Although there were differences in the actual numbers estimated by each approach, the response to Zn was broadly similar across all methods. These differences were likely to result from the fact that the molecular approaches assess the potential for nodulation while the MPN approach assesses actual nodulation. The results demonstrate that the use of targeted gene probes for assessing environmental perturbations of indigenous soil rhizobial populations may be more sensitive than the conventional plant bioassay and MPN methods.

scholarly journals Abundance, Distribution, and Activity of Fe(II)-Oxidizing and Fe(III)-Reducing Microorganisms in Hypersaline Sediments of Lake Kasin, Southern Russia

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 4386-4399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maren Emmerich ◽  
Ankita Bhansali ◽  
Tina Lösekann-Behrens ◽  
Christian Schröder ◽  
Andreas Kappler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Gene Copy ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Sediment Layer ◽  
Hypersaline Environments ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Southern Russia ◽  
Hypersaline Sediments

ABSTRACTThe extreme osmotic conditions prevailing in hypersaline environments result in decreasing metabolic diversity with increasing salinity. Various microbial metabolisms have been shown to occur even at high salinity, including photosynthesis as well as sulfate and nitrate reduction. However, information about anaerobic microbial iron metabolism in hypersaline environments is scarce. We studied the phylogenetic diversity, distribution, and metabolic activity of iron(II)-oxidizing and iron(III)-reducingBacteriaandArchaeain pH-neutral, iron-rich salt lake sediments (Lake Kasin, southern Russia; salinity, 348.6 g liter−1) using a combination of culture-dependent and -independent techniques. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries forBacteriaandArchaearevealed a microbial community composition typical for hypersaline sediments. Most-probable-number counts confirmed the presence of 4.26 × 102to 8.32 × 103iron(II)-oxidizingBacteriaand 4.16 × 102to 2.13 × 103iron(III)-reducing microorganisms per gram dry sediment. Microbial iron(III) reduction was detected in the presence of 5 M NaCl, extending the natural habitat boundaries for this important microbial process. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that 16S rRNA gene copy numbers of totalBacteria, totalArchaea, and species dominating the iron(III)-reducing enrichment cultures (relatives ofHalobaculum gomorrense,Desulfosporosinus lacus, and members of theBacilli) were highest in an iron oxide-rich sediment layer. Combined with the presented geochemical and mineralogical data, our findings suggest the presence of an active microbial iron cycle at salt concentrations close to the solubility limit of NaCl.

scholarly journals Multiple DNA Extractions Coupled with Stable-Isotope Probing of Anthracene-Degrading Bacteria in Contaminated Soil

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 2984-2991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maiysha D. Jones ◽  
David R. Singleton ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
Michael D. Aitken
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Gene Copy Number ◽  
Stable Isotope Probing ◽  
Gene Copy ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dna Yield ◽  
Degrading Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Groups

ABSTRACTIn many of the DNA-based stable-isotope probing (SIP) studies published to date in which soil communities were investigated, a single DNA extraction was performed on the soil sample, usually using a commercial DNA extraction kit, prior to recovering the13C-labeled (heavy) DNA by density-gradient ultracentrifugation. Recent evidence suggests, however, that a single extraction of a soil sample may not lead to representative recovery of DNA from all of the organisms in the sample. To determine whether multiple DNA extractions would affect the DNA yield, the eubacterial 16S rRNA gene copy number, or the identification of anthracene-degrading bacteria, we performed seven successive DNA extractions on the same aliquot of contaminated soil either untreated or enriched with [U-13C]anthracene. Multiple extractions were necessary to maximize the DNA yield and 16S rRNA gene copy number from both untreated and anthracene-enriched soil samples. Sequences within the orderSphingomonadales, but unrelated to any previously described genus, dominated the 16S rRNA gene clone libraries derived from13C-enriched DNA and were designated “anthracene group 1.” Sequences clustering withVariovoraxspp., which were also highly represented, and sequences related to the genusPigmentiphagawere newly associated with anthracene degradation. The bacterial groups collectively identified across all seven extracts were all recovered in the first extract, although quantitative PCR analysis of SIP-identified groups revealed quantitative differences in extraction patterns. These results suggest that performing multiple DNA extractions on soil samples improves the extractable DNA yield and the number of quantifiable eubacterial 16S rRNA gene copies but have little qualitative effect on the identification of the bacterial groups associated with the degradation of a given carbon source by SIP.

Characterization and Identification of Numerically Abundant Culturable Bacteria from the Anoxic Bulk Soil of Rice Paddy Microcosms

1999 ◽  
Vol 65 (11) ◽  
pp. 5042-5049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuk-Jeong Chin ◽  
Dittmar Hahn ◽  
Ulf Hengstmann ◽  
Werner Liesack ◽  
Peter H. Janssen
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequences ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Clostridial Cluster

ABSTRACT Most-probable-number (liquid serial dilution culture) counts were obtained for polysaccharolytic and saccharolytic fermenting bacteria in the anoxic bulk soil of flooded microcosms containing rice plants. The highest viable counts (up to 2.5 × 108 cells per g [dry weight] of soil) were obtained by using xylan, pectin, or a mixture of seven mono- and disaccharides as the growth substrate. The total cell count for the soil, as determined by using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, was 4.8 × 108cells per g (dry weight) of soil. The nine strains isolated from the terminal positive tubes in counting experiments which yielded culturable populations that were equivalent to about 5% or more of the total microscopic count population belonged to the divisionVerrucomicrobia, theCytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides division, clostridial cluster XIVa, clostridial cluster IX, Bacillus spp., and the class Actinobacteria. Isolates originating from the terminal positive tubes of liquid dilution series can be expected to be representatives of species whose populations in the soil are large. None of the isolates had 16S rRNA gene sequences identical to 16S rRNA gene sequences of previously described species for which data are available. Eight of the nine strains isolated fermented sugars to acetate and propionate (and some also fermented sugars to succinate). The closest relatives of these strains (except for the two strains of actinobacteria) were as-yet-uncultivated bacteria detected in the same soil sample by cloning PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes (U. Hengstmann, K.-J. Chin, P. H. Janssen, and W. Liesack, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65:5050–5058, 1999). Twelve other isolates, which originated from most-probable-number counting series indicating that the culturable populations were smaller, were less closely related to cloned 16S rRNA genes.

scholarly journals Specific Detection, Isolation, and Characterization of Selected, Previously Uncultured Members of the Freshwater Bacterioplankton Community

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 5908-5919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Gich ◽  
Karin Schubert ◽  
Alke Bruns ◽  
Herbert Hoffelner ◽  
Jörg Overmann
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Gene Sequences ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequences ◽  
Light Harvesting Complexes ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Bacterioplankton Community ◽  
Isolation And Characterization

ABSTRACT High-throughput cultivation was combined with rapid and group-specific phylogenetic fingerprinting in order to recover representatives of three freshwater bacterioplankton communities. A total of 570 bacterial cultures were obtained by employing the most probable number and MicroDrop techniques. The majority of the cultured bacteria were closely related to previously uncultured bacteria and grouped with the α-Proteobacteria, β-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, or Flavobacteria-Cytophaga lineage. Correspondingly, the natural bacterioplankton community was analyzed by high-resolution phylogenetic fingerprinting of these five bacterial lineages. 16S rRNA gene fragments were generated for each lineage and subsequently separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. By the combination of five group-specific PCR protocols, the total number of 16S rRNA gene fingerprints generated from the natural communities was increased sixfold compared to conventional (eubacterial) fingerprinting. Four of the environmental α-Proteobacteria 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from the natural community were found to be identical to those of bacterial isolates. One of these phylotypes was detected in 14 different cultures and hence represented the most frequently cultured bacterium. Three of these 14 strains were characterized in detail. Their complete 16S rRNA gene sequences showed only 93% similarity to that of Sandaracinobacter sibiricus, the closest relative described so far. The novel phylotype of bacterium is a strict aerobe capable of using numerous organic carbon substrates and contains bacteriochlorophyll a bound to two different photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes. Dot blot hybridization revealed that the strains occur in lakes of different trophic status and constitute up to 2% of the microbial community.

The Diversity of Benthic Microorganisms in Acidic Mine Lake Sediments

2007 ◽  
Vol 20-21 ◽  
pp. 489-492
Author(s):  
Huynh A. Pham ◽  
Carolyn E. Oldham ◽  
Jason J. Plumb
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Lake Sediments ◽  
Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Benthic Bacteria ◽  
Different Depths

The sediment microbial communities of a disused coal mine lake, Lake Kepwari (pH~4.5-5) were studied to understand how the natural microbial processes in an oligotrophic acidic mine lake system influence the iron and sulphur cycles. Most probable number (MPN) viable counts were used to enumerate the benthic bacteria at different depths. MPN results revealed an abundance of bacteria that were capable of growing in sulphate reducing medium with numbers in the range of 1 × 107 – 1 × 108 cells.g-1 of wet sediment. In contrast, MPN results showed much lower numbers of bacteria that were capable of growing in ferric reducing medium with 1 × 102 – 2 × 103 cells.g-1 of wet sediment detected. Serial decimal dilution cultures were used to isolate pure strains of benthic bacteria. Strains HP1, HP2 and HP3 were isolated from benthic lake sediments at 18 m, 0 m and 10 m water depths respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain HP1 showed that the strain belonged to the genus Enterobacter, strain HP2 belonged to the Order Rhizobiales and strain HP3 belonged to the sub-order Micrococcineae. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of 16S rRNA gene fragments was used to profile the diversity of the benthic microbial communities at different depths. DGGE profiling of benthic sediments revealed that sediments contained mostly members of the Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes phyla.

scholarly journals Anaerobic Mineralization of Quaternary Carbon Atoms: Isolation of Denitrifying Bacteria on Dimethylmalonate

1999 ◽  
Vol 65 (8) ◽  
pp. 3319-3324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaf Kniemeyer ◽  
Christina Probian ◽  
Ramon Rosselló-Mora ◽  
Jens Harder
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Quaternary Carbon ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Gene Similarity

ABSTRACT The microbial capacity to degrade simple organic compounds with quaternary carbon atoms was demonstrated by enrichment and isolation of five denitrifying strains on dimethylmalonate as the sole electron donor and carbon source. Quantitative growth experiments showed a complete mineralization of dimethylmalonate. According to phylogenetic analysis of the complete 16S rRNA genes, two strains isolated from activated sewage sludge were related to the genusParacoccus within the α-Proteobacteria (98.0 and 98.2% 16S rRNA gene similarity to Paracoccus denitrificans T), and three strains isolated from freshwater ditches were affiliated with the β-Proteobacteria (97.4 and 98.3% 16S rRNA gene similarity to Herbaspirillum seropedicae T andAcidovorax facilis T, respectively). Most-probable-number determinations for denitrifying populations in sewage sludge yielded 4.6 × 104dimethylmalonate-utilizing cells ml−1, representing up to 0.4% of the total culturable nitrate-reducing population.

scholarly journals Annual Variations in the Diversity, Viability, and Origin of Airborne Bacteria

2010 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 3015-3025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Fahlgren ◽  
Åke Hagström ◽  
Douglas Nilsson ◽  
Ulla Li Zweifel
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Clone Libraries ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Annual Variations ◽  
Annual Survey ◽  
Cultured Bacteria

ABSTRACT The presence of bacteria in aerosols has been known for centuries, but information on their identity and role in dispersing microbial traits is still limited. This study monitored the airborne bacterial community during an annual survey using samples collected from a 25-m tower near the Baltic Sea coast. The number of CFU was estimated using agar plates while the most probable number (MPN) of viable bacteria was estimated using dilution-to-extinction culturing assays (DCAs). The MPN and CFU values produced quantitatively similar results, displaying a pronounced seasonal pattern, with the highest numbers in winter. The most dominant bacteria growing in the DCAs all formed colonies on agar plates, were mostly pigmented (80%), and closely resembled (>97%) previously cultured bacteria based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were constructed on eight occasions during the survey; these revealed a highly diverse community with a few abundant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and a long tail of rare OTUs. A majority of the cloned sequences (60%) were also most closely related to previously “cultured” bacteria. Thus, both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques indicated that bacteria able to form colonies on agar plates predominate in the atmosphere. Both the DCAs and clone libraries indicated the dominance of bacteria belonging to the genera Sphingomonas sp. and Pseudomonas sp. on several sampling occasions. Potentially pathogenic strains as well as sequences closely resembling bacteria known to act as ice nuclei were found using both approaches. The origin of the sampled air mass was estimated using backward trajectories, indicating a predominant marine source.

scholarly journals Ecological Significance of Microdiversity: Identical 16S rRNA Gene Sequences Can Be Found in Bacteria with Highly Divergent Genomes and Ecophysiologies

2004 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 4831-4839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elke Jaspers ◽  
Jörg Overmann
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Gene Sequences ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequences ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Internally Transcribed Spacer

ABSTRACT A combination of cultivation-based methods with a molecular biological approach was used to investigate whether planktonic bacteria with identical 16S rRNA gene sequences can represent distinct eco- and genotypes. A set of 11 strains of Brevundimonas alba were isolated from a bacterial freshwater community by conventional plating or by using a liquid most-probable-number (MPN) dilution series. These strains had identical 16S rRNA gene sequences and represented the dominant phylotype in the plateable fraction, as well as in the highest positive dilutions of the MPN series. However, internally transcribed spacer and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR fingerprinting analyses, as well as DNA-DNA hybridization analyses, revealed great genetic diversity among the 11 strains. Each strain utilized a specific combination of 59 carbon substrates, and the niche overlap indices were low, suggesting that each strain occupied a different ecological niche. In dialysis cultures incubated in situ, each strain had a different growth rate and cell yield. We thus demonstrated that the B. alba strains represent distinct populations with genetically determined adaptations and probably occupy different ecological niches. Our results have implications for assessment of the diversity and biogeography of bacteria and increase the perception of natural diversity beyond the level of 16S rRNA gene sequences.

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