Perspectives of the development of 16S rDNA probe specific for algicidal and/or algal-lytic gliding bacteria

Sequence analyses of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) were perfo rmed on 16 strains of gliding marine bacteria isolated at the time of bloom of Skeletonema costatum in Ariake Sea. The strains were comprised of 8 str ains which have capabilities to kill and lyse Skeletonema costatum, 5 strai ns with algicidal or algal-lytic activity and 3 strains without activity. T he strains were divided into 4 clusters including 1, 2, 3, and 10 strains. Cluster A, C and D were close to Cytophaga latercula, Flexibacter maritimus and Cytophaga marinoflava, respectively. Cluster B was close to Flavobacte rium aquatile. Neither algicidal nor algal-lytic activity was restricted to any of the clusters. The strains of cluster B contained flexirubin and did not require addition of Na+ in growth peptone media.