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Appl. Environ. Microbiol., Jun 1995, 2203-2210, Vol 61, No. 6
C Wawer and G Muyzer
The genetic diversity of Desulfovibrio species in environmental samples was
determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR-
amplified [NiFe] hydrogenase gene fragments. Five different PCR primers
were designed after comparative analysis of [NiFe] hydrogenase gene
sequences from three Desulfovibrio species. These primers were tested in
different combinations on the genomic DNAs of a variety of
hydrogenase-containing and hydrogenase-lacking bacteria. One primer pair
was found to be specific for Desulfovibrio species only, while the others
gave positive results with other bacteria also. By using this specific
primer pair, we were able to amplify the [NiFe] hydrogenase genes of DNAs
isolated from environmental samples and to detect the presence of
Desulfovibrio species in these samples. However, only after DGGE analysis
of these PCR products could the number of different Desulfovibrio species
within the samples be determined. DGGE analysis of PCR products from
different bioreactors demonstrated up to two bands, while at least five
distinguishable bands were detected in a microbial mat sample. Because
these bands most likely represent as many Desulfovibrio species present in
these samples, we conclude that the genetic diversity of Desulfovibrio
species in the natural microbial mat is far greater than that in the
experimental bioreactors.
Copyright © 1995, American Society for Microbiology
Genetic diversity of Desulfovibrio spp. in environmental samples analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of [NiFe] hydrogenase gene fragments
Molecular Ecology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany.
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