Photosynthetic and phylogenetic primers for detection of anoxygenic phototrophs in natural environments

摘要: Primer sets were designed to target specific 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of photosynthetic bacteria, including the green sulfur nonsulfur and members Heliobacteriaceae (a gram-positive phylum). Due phylogenetic diversity purple phototrophs, rDNA gene was not an appropriate for primers. Thus, a primer set that targets pufM gene, encoding M subunit reaction center, which is universally distributed among phototrophic bacteria. The amplified DNAs only from phototrophs but also Chloroflexus species, produce center like Although bacterial structurally resembles plant photosystem II, primers did amplify cyanobacterial DNA, further indicating their specificity anoxyphototrophs. This combination phylogenetic- photosynthesis-specific covers all groups known anoxygenic as such shows promise molecular tool rapid assessment natural samples in ecological studies these organisms.