Ultrastructural observations on prokaryotic associates of benthic foraminifera : food, mutualistic symbionts, or parasites?
Ultrastructural observations on prokaryotic associates of benthic foraminifera : food, mutualistic symbionts, or parasites?
Date
2017-09
Authors
Bernhard, Joan M.
Tsuchiya, Masashi
Nomaki, Hidetaka
Tsuchiya, Masashi
Nomaki, Hidetaka
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Keywords
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Rhizarian protist
Commensalism
Microbiome
Oxygen depletion
Bacteria
Rhizarian protist
Commensalism
Microbiome
Oxygen depletion
Bacteria
Abstract
Because prokaryotes (Eubacteria, Archaea) are ubiquitous in the marine realm, it may not
be surprising that they are important to the diet of at least some foraminifera. Over recent
decades, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) has revealed that, at the ultrastructural level,
additional intimate relationships exist between prokaryotes and foraminifera. For example, the
cytoplasm of a variety of benthic foraminiferal species contains intact prokaryotes. Other
benthic foraminiferal species support prokaryotic populations on their exterior. Some of these
prokaryote-foraminifera associations are sufficiently consistent to be considered symbioses.
Symbiotic relationships include beneficial associations (mutualism; commensalism) to
detrimental associations (parasitism). Here, we provide a synopsis of known foraminiferal-
prokaryotic symbioses and TEM micrographs illustrating many specific associations. We further
comment on and illustrate additional interactions such as bacterial scavenging on foraminifera
and foraminiferal feeding on prokaryotes. Documenting and understanding all of these microbial
interactions will contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge of benthic marine ecology and
biology.
Description
© The Author(s), 2017. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here under a nonexclusive, irrevocable, paid-up, worldwide license granted to WHOI. It is made available for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Marine Micropaleontology 138 (2018): 33-45, doi:10.1016/j.marmicro.2017.09.001.