Molecular phylogenetic analyses of three Synechococcus strains isolated from seawater near the Ieodo Ocean Research Station

Abstract

Three Synechococcus strains were isolated from seawater near the Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS), and their 16S rDNA genes and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) between the 16S and 23S rRNA genes were sequenced to investigate their phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rDNA and ITS sequences showed that they clustered in the main MC-A Synechococcus group (subcluster 5.1), but formed branches differentiating them from the described clades. As the IORS is located in an area affected by diverse water masses, high Synechococcus diversity is expected in the area. Therefore, the IORS might be a good site to study the diversity, physiology, and distribution of the Synechococcus group.