Title
Seasonal dynamics of a complex cheilostome bryozoan symbiosis: vertical transfer challenged
Author
E. A. Bogdanov
Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University
Author
A. E. Vishnyakov
Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University
Author
O. N. Kotenko
Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University
... show all
Abstract
Symbiotic associations are dynamic systems influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here we describe for the first time the developmental and seasonal changes of the funicular bodies in the bryozoan Dendrobeania fruticosa, which are unique temporary organs of cheilostome bryozoans containing prokaryotic symbionts. Histological and ultrastructural studies showed that these organs undergo strong seasonal modification in the White Sea during the ice-free period. Initially (in June) they play a trophic function and support the development of a large population of bacteria. From June to September, both funicular bodies and bacteria show signs of degradation accompanied by development of presumed virus-like particles (VLPs); these self-organize to hollow spheres inside bacteria and are also detected outside of them. Although the destruction of bacteria coincides with the development of VLPs and spheres, the general picture differs considerably from the known instances of bacteriophagy in bryozoans. We broadly discuss potential routes of bacterial infection in Bryozoa and question the hypothesis of vertical transfer, which, although widely accepted in the literature, is contradicted by molecular, morphological and ecological evidence.
Keywords
BacteriaEnvironmental microbiologyMicrobial ecologyPhage biologyZoology
Object type
Language
English [eng]
Persistent identifier
https://phaidra.univie.ac.at/o:2046038
Appeared in
Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
13
ISSN
2045-2322
Issued
2023
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date issued
2023
Access rights
Rights statement
© The Author(s) 2023
University of Vienna | Universitätsring 1 | 1010 Vienna | T +43-1-4277-0