Ancient photosynthetic eukaryote biofilms in an Atacama Desert coastal cave.
Microb Ecol
; 58(3): 485-96, 2009 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19259626
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.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Biofilmes
/
Clima Desértico
/
Rodófitas
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
/
Chile
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2009
Tipo de documento:
Article