Using PCR Amplification and Genetic Sequence Analysis of 18S rRNA Genes to Survey the Microbial Diversity and Distribution of Eukaryotic Microbes Inhabiting Two Thermo-acidic Streams in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

A cultivation-independent approach, sequence analysis of 18S rRNA genes PCR-amplified from environmental DNA, was used to explore the diversity and distribution of eukaryotic microbes inhabiting algal mats in two acidic geothermal streams in Yellowstone National Park. The objectives were to: (1) clarify the identity of mat forming algae in Nymph Creek (2) survey microbial species in the Nymph Creek mat over seasonal intervals along a thermal gradient (3) compare microbial species in the Nymph Creek mat with those in Alluvium Creek mats (4) evaluate microbial species in algal mats formed on different substrates in Alluvium Creek. The results show that a novel red alga dominates high temperature regions (~50ºC) of Nymph Creek and two "Chlorella-like" algae predominate the cooler regions (<38ºC). The predominant algae in Alluvium Creek were distinctly different from those in Nymph Creek. Several stramenophiles and fungi were detected in each algal mat.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological Sciences

Year

2009

Author dc:creator

• Harvey, Robert, Jr.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ferris, Michael; Clancy, Mary
• Anthony, Nicola

• microbes
• cyanidiales
• Cyanidium
• Galdieria
• Cyanidioschyzon
• Chlorella
• algae
• stramenophile
• fungi
• PCR
• extremophile
• environmental samples
• Yellowstone

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/978

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.uno.edu:td-1959