Survey of the green picoalga Bathycoccus genomes in the global ocean

• DOI: 10.1038/srep37900
• Publication Date: 2016-11-30T10:17:06Z
• Authors: Thomas Vannier; Jade Leconte; Yoann Seeleuthner; Samuel Mondy; Eric Pelletier; Jean-Marc Aury; Colomban de Vargas; Michael Sieracki; Daniele Iudicone; Daniel Vaulot; Patrick Wincker; Olivier Jaillon
• Keywords: Ecotype; Comparative Genomics

Abstract Bathycoccus is a cosmopolitan green micro-alga belonging to the Mamiellophyceae, class of picophytoplankton that contains important contributors oceanic primary production. A single species has been described while existence two ecotypes proposed based on metagenomic data. genome available for one strain corresponding phenotype. We report second assembly obtained by cell genomics approach ecotype. The genomes are divergent enough be unambiguously distinguishable in whole DNA data although they possess identical sequence 18S rRNA gene including V9 region. Analysis 122 global ocean metagenome samples from Tara -Oceans expedition reveals populations were previously identified metabarcodes only composed these genomes. relatively abundant and widely distributed nutrient rich waters. rarely co-occur occupy distinct niches particular with respect depth. Metatranscriptomic provide evidence gain or loss highly expressed genes some samples, suggesting repertoire modulated environmental conditions.