Ancient photosynthetic eukaryote biofilms in an Atacama Desert coastal cave
Microbial Ecology
By: A. Azua-Bustos, C. Gonzalez-Silva, R.A. Mancilla, L. Salas, R.E. Palma, J.J. Wynne, C.P. McKay, and R. Vicuna
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Abstract
Caves offer a stable and protected environment from harsh and changing outside prevailing conditions. Hence, they represent an interesting habitat for studying life in extreme environments. Here, we report the presence of a member of the ancient eukaryote red algae Cyanidium group in a coastal cave of the hyperarid Atacama Desert. This microorganism was found to form a seemingly monospecific biofilm growing under extremely low photon flux levels. Our work suggests that this species, Cyanidium sp. Atacama, is a new member of a recently proposed novel monophyletic lineage of mesophilic "cave" Cyanidium sp., distinct from the remaining three other lineages which are all thermo-acidophilic. The cave described in this work may represent an evolutionary island for life in the midst of the Atacama Desert. ?? Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2009.
Suggested Citation
Azua-Bustos, A., Gonzalez-Silva, C., Mancilla, R., Salas, L., Palma, R., Wynne, J., McKay, C., Vicuna, R., 2009, Ancient photosynthetic eukaryote biofilms in an Atacama Desert coastal cave: Microbial Ecology, v. 58, no. 3, p. 485-496, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-009-9500-5.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Ancient photosynthetic eukaryote biofilms in an Atacama Desert coastal cave |
| Series title | Microbial Ecology |
| DOI | 10.1007/s00248-009-9500-5 |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication Date | March 05, 2009 |
| Year Published | 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Microbial Ecology |
| First page | 485 |
| Last page | 496 |