Influence of Particle Size on Bacterial Community Structure in Aquatic Sediments as Revealed by 16S rRNA Gene Sequence Analysis

Author

1. Colin R. Jackson* and 
2. Andrew Q. Weeks

-Author Affiliations

1. Department of Biology, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677

ABSTRACT

Bacterial communities associated with sediment particles were examined using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Particle size influenced community structure, with attached bacterial assemblages separating into 63- to 125-, 125- to 1,000-, and 1,000- to 2,000-μm fractions. Differences were particularly pronounced for the Verrucomicrobia-Planctomycetes, whose numbers were significantly reduced on coarser particles.

FOOTNOTES

• Received 23 April 2008.
• Accepted 11 June 2008.
• ↵*Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department of Biology, Shoemaker Hall, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677. Phone: (662) 915-7495. Fax: (662) 915-5144. E-mail: cjackson@olemiss.edu
• ↵▿ Published ahead of print on 20 June 2008.

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http://aem.asm.org/content/74/16/5237.abstract