DIVERGENT MEMBERS OF THE BACTERIAL DIVISION VERRUCOMICROBIALES IN A TEMPERATE FRESH-WATER LAKE

Bacterial diversity in the water column of a freshwater lake in the Ne therlands was investigated by analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences reco vered through PCR amplification from total community DNA. Among 23 uni que cloned sequences, two appeared to belong to the recently described bacterial division Verrucomicrobiales. One of the two sequences was m ost similar to a group of environmental clones that form a distinct li neage within the division. The other sequence was divergent (less than 85% similarity) from all 16S rRNA gene sequences, both from cultivate d species and from environmental clones, known in this division to dat e. Analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequ encing of DNA recovered through excision from the DGGE gel showed that the two sequence types were present in the lake throughout the year. (C) 1998 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published b y Elsevier Science B.V.