Microbiological Garden - Phototrophic Consortia

Phototrophic Consortia

Identification of the surrounding cells as member of the genus
Chlorobium using specific RNA probes. Right: Chlorobium-cells,
fluorescently labeled with a specific probe, can be detected under
a fluorescent microscope whereas the cell in the center is not visible.

The mounted, surrounding cells have been clearly identified as member of the genus Chlorobium by the use of molecular techniques. But it has been found that they are different to their free-living relatives in the water column. The central cell belongs to the Beta-subgroup of the Proteobacteria. But its correct identity is still unclear. Also the relationship between the phototrophic and the non-phototrophic bacteria remains still unresolved. One hypothesis has been proposed that the phototrophic epibionts provide the central cell with products produced via the photosynthesis.