Marine Pseudoalteromonas species are associated with higher organisms and produce biologically active extracellular agents

The newly established genus Pseudoalteromonas contains numerous marine spec ies which synthesize biologically active molecules. The production of a ran ge of compounds which are active against a variety of target organisms appe ars to be a unique characteristic for this genus and may greatly benefit Ps eudoalteromonas cells in their competition for nutrients and colonization o f surfaces. Species of Pseudoalteromonas are generally found in association with marine eukaryotes and display anti-bacterial, bacteriolytic, agarolyt ic and algicidal activities. Moreover, several Pseudoalteromonas isolates s pecifically prevent the settlement of common fouling organisms. While a wid e range of inhibitory extracellular agents are produced, compounds promotin g the survival of other marine organisms living in the vicinity of Pseudoal teromonas species have also been found. (C) 1999 Federation of European Mic robiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reser ved.