Host-Symbiont Interactions between a Marine Mussel and Methanotrophic Bacterial Symbionts
Abstract
Our goal is to delineate between a mussel and its methanotrophic symbionts. In the past year we have: 1) Demonstrated shell growth with methane as sole carbon and energy source. 2) Demonstrated that methane alone is not sufficient for tissue maintenance over several months. 3) Demonstrated and quantified both clearance and assimilation of particulates by the mussel. 4) Developed a protocol for the purification of the bacterial symbionts. 5) Collected (by submersible) and shipped back to our laboratory sufficient mussels for next year's studies. 6) Expanded our maintenance facilities for the mussels. 7) Measured methane, thiosulfate and sulfide in freshly collected mussel tissues, and in interstitial water from their environment. 8) Identified N2 gas as a source of nitrogen for the intact symbiosis and begun investigations into other possible sources (NH4, NO3 and dissolved amino acids). 9) Begun studies of organic carbon transfer between the symbionts and the host mussel. Keywords: Symbiosis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA204016
Entities
People
- Charles A. Fisher
- James J. Childress
Organizations
- University of California, Santa Barbara