I was intrigued after Colin’s lecture (Microbes in ocean
process – carbon and energy cycling, 16th October 2013) touched upon
the notion that marine bacteria may have inter-species connections and therefore decided to review this paper, aware that it was published
several years ago.
It is understood that around 50% of global ocean carbon cycling is mediated by free-living bacteria, but interactions with primary producers such as Cyanobacteria are poorly understood. The authors of this paper used atomic force microscopy (AFM) for high resolution imaging of bacteria from whole sea samples, in an attempt to gain a better insight into the interactions between ‘free-living’ bacteria and the organic matter continuum (POM through to DOM as outlined in the lecture). They found that an average of between 30 - 35% of ‘free-living’ bacteria were in fact conjoined (both heterotrophic and autotrophic Cyanobacteria) and furthermore, up to 55% of the bacteria observed were connected by extensive pili, colloidal gels or networks of up to 20 cells (Fig. 1). Within the gel matrices, coccolithophore and diatom remnants were found (Fig. 1), adding another dimension to oceanic carbon cycling and how carbon reaches the ocean floor. The gel may collect particles aiding the coalition of marine snow and influencing sinking rates.
Figure
1. Examples of the AFM images included
in the paper. The extensive pili network
is clearly identified in the first image (a) and the second image (c) shows
conjoint cells and a coccolithophore surrounded by a gel matrix. The colour spectrum denotes elevation.
In the three geographical areas sampled, the authors found
bacterial networks and gels for around 36% of the time in the temperate coastal
and open ocean samples but interestingly, they did not detect any in the
Antarctic samples. Whilst this was not commented
on, it may be that the low temperatures at the Antarctic (around -0.8°C at
sampling) do not allow the colloidal matrices to develop. This could be readily tested in controlled
manipulative experiments and if correct, may offer further insight into
possible differences in ocean processes at high versus low latitudes.
Whilst this study demonstrates the occurrence of conjoined
cells, networks and gel matrices, it does not however, explain any underpinning
causes. The authors surmise that the
conjoint bacterial cells may be due to symbioses, parasitic, antagonistic or
accidental interactions. They also suggest
that the intimate associations in the bacteria/Cyanobacteria couplings may be adaptive and have biogeochemical
implications and whilst this may be the case, might it also be possible that
the microbes observed are displaying behavioural plasticity and exploiting the
positive patchiness of the environment sampled? Additionally, may it also be
possible that the extensive pili and gel matrices are a communication network,
potentially connecting cells over a relatively large area? If this conjecture
is correct, it may have a tremendous impact on work associated with
understanding quorum sensing amongst bacterial communities.
This study offered a novel insight into how the ocean is put
together, previously undetected at this scale.
As technology advances, it will be interesting to test hypotheses that
are currently difficult to address due to the nanoscopic scales involved.
Malfatti, F. & Azam, F. (2009). Atomic force microscopy reveals
microscale networks and possible symbioses among pelagic marine bacteria. Aquatic
microbial ecology, 58(1), 1-14.
It's amazing that you can take a picture of something so microscopic, just goes to show how important it is for us, as visual animals, to be able to see things in understanding them. Did they sample throughout the year at in the Antarctic location? It seems to me that Antarctic microbial communities would still have as much need for interacting with other cells as in any other environment.
ReplyDeleteHi George, It is pretty amazing isn't it? We are very visual creatures, its difficult to connect and envisage something that we can't see!
ReplyDeleteThe authors only took two samples from the Antarctic, both in July 2006. I totally agree with your point about microbe interactions in Antarctica, but it is potentially interesting that they found no evidence of gels or networks there. Maybe the system works in another way? Collecting more samples spread over the course of the year and testing lower temperature limits of the gels/networks would allow falsification of this conjecture.
Thanks for your input, Rachel.
I love this work - I'm so chuffed that Malfatti and Azam let me use one of their images on the front cover of my book! If you want to link some of the other content of that lecture with these ideas, you may be interested to know here is a great review by Roman Stocker published in 2012. Here's the link - http://www.sciencemag.org/content/338/6107/628.full
ReplyDeleteThanks Colin, I'll be sure to check it out.
ReplyDelete