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Detection of nitrogenase in individual cells of a natural population of trichodesmium using immunocytochemical methods for fluorescent cells

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Abstract

The intercellular distribution of nitrogenase was detected in a natural population of Trichodesmium spp. collected from Shitaba Bay, Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the Fe-protein and the MoFe-protein (α-subunit) of nitrogenase were used as probes. Visualization of the antibody binding to the nitrogenase was performed using horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody and the chromogenic substrate, 3,3′-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride, to avoid the masking effects caused by the bright autofluorescence emitted by the Trichodesmium cells. Nitrogenase proteins were detected in 66 to 81% of the trichomes. More than 77% of the cells were immunostained in individual nitrogenase-containing trichome. The data show natural populations of Trichodesmium spp. do not developed heterocyst-equivalent cells.

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Author notes

  1. Yukiko Taniuchi

    Present address: Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, 80424, Taiwan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marine Bioscience, Faculty of Marine Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University, Gakuencho, Obama, Fukui, 917-0003, Japan

    Kaori Ohki

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  1. Kaori Ohki
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  2. Yukiko Taniuchi
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Correspondence to Kaori Ohki.

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Ohki, K., Taniuchi, Y. Detection of nitrogenase in individual cells of a natural population of trichodesmium using immunocytochemical methods for fluorescent cells. J Oceanogr 65, 427–432 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10872-009-0037-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10872-009-0037-5

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