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Arzac MI, Miranda-Apodaca J, de Los Ríos A, Castanyer-Mallol F, García-Plazaola JI, Fernández-Marín B. The outstanding capacity of Prasiola antarctica to thrive in contrasting harsh environments relies on the constitutive protection of thylakoids and on morphological plasticity. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 119:65-83. [PMID: 38608130 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The determination of physiological tolerance ranges of photosynthetic species and of the biochemical mechanisms underneath are fundamental to identify target processes and metabolites that will inspire enhanced plant management and production for the future. In this context, the terrestrial green algae within the genus Prasiola represent ideal models due to their success in harsh environments (polar tundras) and their extraordinary ecological plasticity. Here we focus on the outstanding Prasiola antarctica and compare two natural populations living in very contrasting microenvironments in Antarctica: the dry sandy substrate of a beach and the rocky bed of an ephemeral freshwater stream. Specifically, we assessed their photosynthetic performance at different temperatures, reporting for the first time gnsd values in algae and changes in thylakoid metabolites in response to extreme desiccation. Stream population showed lower α-tocopherol content and thicker cell walls and thus, lower gnsd and photosynthesis. Both populations had high temperatures for optimal photosynthesis (around +20°C) and strong constitutive tolerance to freezing and desiccation. This tolerance seems to be related to the high constitutive levels of xanthophylls and of the cylindrical lipids di- and tri-galactosyldiacylglycerol in thylakoids, very likely related to the effective protection and stability of membranes. Overall, P. antarctica shows a complex battery of constitutive and plastic protective mechanisms that enable it to thrive under harsh conditions and to acclimate to very contrasting microenvironments, respectively. Some of these anatomical and biochemical adaptations may partially limit photosynthesis, but this has a great potential to rise in a context of increasing temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren I Arzac
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - Jon Miranda-Apodaca
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - Asunción de Los Ríos
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Serrano 115 dpdo, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesc Castanyer-Mallol
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Department of Biology, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), INAGEA, Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - José I García-Plazaola
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernández-Marín
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Spain
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, University of La Laguna (ULL), Canary Islands, 38200, La Laguna, Spain
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2
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Rucker HR, Kaçar B. Enigmatic evolution of microbial nitrogen fixation: insights from Earth's past. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:554-564. [PMID: 37061455 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of nitrogen fixation undoubtedly altered nearly all corners of the biosphere, given the essential role of nitrogen in the synthesis of biomass. To date, there is no unified view on what planetary conditions gave rise to nitrogen fixation or how these conditions have sustained it evolutionarily. Intriguingly, the concentrations of metals that nitrogenases require to function have changed throughout Earth's history. In this review, we describe the interconnection of the metal and nitrogen cycles with nitrogenase evolution and the importance of ancient ecology in the formation of the modern nitrogen cycle. We argue that exploration of the nitrogen cycle's deep past will provide insights into humanity's immediate environmental challenges centered on nitrogen availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly R Rucker
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Betül Kaçar
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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Sacramento IF, Schaefer CEGR, Siqueira RG, Corrêa GR, Putzke J, Michel RFM, Francelino MR. Ornithogenesis and soil-landscape interplays at northern Harmony Point, Nelson Island, Maritime Antarctica. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20230722. [PMID: 38126384 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320230722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the influence of soil-forming factors and processes in ornithogenic soils is important to predict impacts of climate change on Antarctic ecosystems. Herein, we analyzed the soil-landscape interplays and development of ornithogenic soils at Harmony Point (HP), Nelson Island. We collected, described, and classified 24 soil profiles, combined with vegetation and landforms descriptions. Geoprocessing techniques were employed for mapping. Soil physical, chemical, geochemical, and mineralogical analyses were applied. Patterned ground, "Ornithogenic"/Typic Gelorthent, and moss carpets were the dominant landform, soil and vegetation classes, respectively. Soils from rocky outcrops were more structured, acidic, with higher organic carbon, organometallic complexes, and secondary phosphate minerals, due to former bird influence. Soils from cryoplanated platforms presented higher water pH, base saturation, clay content, and secondary silicate minerals. Soils from marine terraces presented high exchangeable bases, phosphorous, and amorphous phosphate minerals. Soil chemical weathering is enhanced by ornithogenesis and widespread in HP. Besides ornithogenesis, organic matter accumulation, cryoturbation, and cryoclastic processes are also important to pedogenesis of ornithogenic soils. The soils of the cryoplanated platforms exhibited a gradient of pedogenetic development corresponding to increasing biota influence and distance from glacier. In contrast, soils of rocky outcrops were more developed even close to the glacier, due to ornithogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iorrana F Sacramento
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Solos, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Ernesto G R Schaefer
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Solos, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Siqueira
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Solos, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Guilherme R Corrêa
- Instituto de Geografia, Av. João Naves de Ávila, 2121, Campus Santa Mônica, Bloco 1H, Sala 25, Santa Mônica, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Jair Putzke
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Av. Antônio Trilha, Campus de São Gabriel, Centro, 97300-000 São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Roberto F M Michel
- Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Rodovia Jorge Amado, Km 1, 45662-900 Ilhéus, BA Brazil
| | - Márcio R Francelino
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Solos, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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Feng M, Varliero G, Qi W, Stierli B, Edwards A, Robinson S, van der Heijden MGA, Frey B. Microbial dynamics in soils of the Damma glacier forefield show succession in the functional genetic potential. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3116-3138. [PMID: 37688461 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Glacier retreat is a visible consequence of climate change worldwide. Although taxonomic change of the soil microbiomes in glacier forefields have been widely documented, how microbial genetic potential changes along succession is little known. Here, we used shotgun metagenomics to analyse whether the soil microbial genetic potential differed between four stages of soil development (SSD) sampled along three transects in the Damma glacier forefield (Switzerland). The SSDs were characterized by an increasing vegetation cover, from barren soil, to biological soil crust, to sparsely vegetated soil and finally to vegetated soil. Results suggested that SSD significantly influenced microbial genetic potential, with the lowest functional diversity surprisingly occurring in the vegetated soils. Overall, carbohydrate metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes overrepresented in vegetated soils, which could be partly attributed to plant-soil feedbacks. For C degradation, glycoside hydrolase genes enriched in vegetated soils, while auxiliary activity and carbohydrate esterases genes overrepresented in barren soils, suggested high labile C degradation potential in vegetated, and high recalcitrant C degradation potential in barren soils. For N-cycling, organic N degradation and synthesis genes dominated along succession, and gene families involved in nitrification were overrepresented in barren soils. Our study provides new insights into how the microbial genetic potential changes during soil formation along the Damma glacier forefield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maomao Feng
- Rhizosphere Processes Group, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gilda Varliero
- Rhizosphere Processes Group, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Weihong Qi
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics SIB, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Beat Stierli
- Rhizosphere Processes Group, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Arwyn Edwards
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Serina Robinson
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG), Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Marcel G A van der Heijden
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Plant-Soil Interactions, Agroscope, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Frey
- Rhizosphere Processes Group, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
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Ortiz-Rivero J, Garrido-Benavent I, Heiðmarsson S, de los Ríos A. Moss and Liverwort Covers Structure Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities Differently in the Icelandic Highlands. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:1893-1908. [PMID: 36802019 PMCID: PMC10497656 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02194-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cryptogamic covers extend over vast polar tundra regions and their main components, e.g., bryophytes and lichens, are frequently the first visible colonizers of deglaciated areas. To understand their role in polar soil development, we analyzed how cryptogamic covers dominated by different bryophyte lineages (mosses and liverworts) influence the diversity and composition of edaphic bacterial and fungal communities as well as the abiotic attributes of underlying soils in the southern part of the Highlands of Iceland. For comparison, the same traits were examined in soils devoid of bryophyte covers. We measured an increase in soil C, N, and organic matter contents coupled with a lower pH in association with bryophyte cover establishment. However, liverwort covers showed noticeably higher C and N contents than moss covers. Significant changes in diversity and composition of bacterial and fungal communities were revealed between (a) bare and bryophyte-covered soils, (b) bryophyte covers and the underlying soils, and (c) moss and liverworts covers. These differences were more obvious for fungi than bacteria, and involved different lineages of saprotrophic and symbiotic fungi, which suggests a certain specificity of microbial taxa to particular bryophyte groups. In addition, differences observed in the spatial structure of the two bryophyte covers may be also responsible for the detected differences in microbial community diversity and composition. Altogether, our findings indicate that soil microbial communities and abiotic attributes are ultimately affected by the composition of the most conspicuous elements of cryptogamic covers in polar regions, which is of great value to predict the biotic responses of these ecosystems to future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ortiz-Rivero
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), C/ Serrano 115 dpdo, E-28045 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isaac Garrido-Benavent
- Departament de Botànica i Geologia, Fac. CC. Biològiques, Universitat de València, C/ Doctor Moliner 50, E-46100 Burjassot, Valencia Spain
| | - Starri Heiðmarsson
- Icelandic Institute of Natural History, Akureyri Division, Borgir Nordurslod, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
- Present address: Northwest Iceland Nature Research Centre, Aðalgötu 2, 550 Sauðárkrókur, Iceland
| | - Asunción de los Ríos
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), C/ Serrano 115 dpdo, E-28045 Madrid, Spain
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Ferrari FR, Thomazini A, Pereira AB, Spokas K, Schaefer CEGR. Potential greenhouse gases emissions by different plant communities in maritime Antarctica. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20210602. [PMID: 35648993 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Antarctic plant communities show a close relationship with soil types across the landscape, where vegetation cover changes, biological influence, and soil characteristics can affect the dynamic of greenhouse gases emissions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate greenhouse gases emissions in lab conditions of ice-free areas along a topographic gradient (from sea level up to 300 meters). We selected 11 distinct vegetation compositions areas and assessed greenhouse gases production potentials through 20 days of laboratory incubations varying temperatures at -2, 4, 6, and 22 °C. High N2O production potential was associated with the Phanerogamic Community under the strong ornithogenic influence (phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter contents). Seven different areas acted as N2O sink at a temperature of -2 °C, demonstrating the impact of low-temperature conditions contributing to store N in soils. Moss Carpets had the highest CH4 emissions and low CO2 production potential. Fruticose Lichens had a CH4 sink effect and the highest values of CO2. The low rate of organic matter provided the CO2 sink effect on the bare soil (up to 6 °C). There is an overall trend of increasing greenhouse gases production potential with increasing temperature along a toposequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia R Ferrari
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Av. PH Rolfs, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - André Thomazini
- Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Praça Dom Helvécio, 74, Dom Bosco, 35702-031 Sete Lagoas, MG, Brazil
| | - Antonio B Pereira
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Rua Aluízio Barros Macedo, s/n, BR 290, Km 423, Campus São Gabriel, 97307-020 Bagé, RS, Brazil
| | - Kurt Spokas
- University of Minnesota, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Soil and Water Management Unit, 439 Borlaug Hall, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, United States
| | - Carlos E G R Schaefer
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Solos, Av. PH Rolfs, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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Khomutovska N, de los Ríos A, Syczewski MD, Jasser I. Connectivity of Edaphic and Endolithic Microbial Niches in Cold Mountain Desert of Eastern Pamir (Tajikistan). BIOLOGY 2021; 10:314. [PMID: 33918726 PMCID: PMC8069199 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities found in arid environments are commonly represented by biological soil crusts (BSCs) and endolithic assemblages. There is still limited knowledge concerning endoliths and BSCs occurring in the cold mountain desert of Pamir. The aim of the study was to investigate the composition and structure of endolithic bacterial communities in comparison to surrounding BSCs in three subregions of the Eastern Pamir (Tajikistan). The endolithic and BSC communities were studied using culture-independent and culture-dependent techniques. The structure of the endolithic bacterial communities can be characterized as Actinobacteria-Proteobacteria-Bacteroidetes-Chloroflexi-Cyanobacteria, while the BSCs' can be described as Proteobacteria-Actinobacteria-Bacteroidetes-Cyanobacteria assemblages with low representation of other bacteria. The endolithic cyanobacterial communities were characterized by the high percentage of Chroococcidiopsaceae, Nodosilineaceae, Nostocaceae and Thermosynechococcaceae, while in the BSCs were dominated by Nodosilineaceae, Phormidiaceae and Nostocaceae. The analysis of 16S rRNA genes of the cyanobacterial cultures revealed the presence of possibly novel species of Chroococcidiopsis, Gloeocapsopsis and Wilmottia. Despite the niches' specificity, which is related to the influence of microenvironment factors on the composition and structure of endolithic communities, our results illustrate the interrelation between the endoliths and the surrounding BSCs in some regions. The structure of cyanobacterial communities from BSC was the only one to demonstrate some subregional differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Khomutovska
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Asunción de los Ríos
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, The National Museum of Natural Sciences-CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Marcin D. Syczewski
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology, Faculty of Geology, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Iwona Jasser
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland;
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Del Moral Á, Garrido-Benavent I, Durán J, Lehmann JR, Rodríguez A, Heiðmarsson S, de Los Ríos A. Are recently deglaciated areas at both poles colonised by the same bacteria? FEMS Microbiol Lett 2021; 368:6122588. [PMID: 33507249 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Polar glacier forefields offer an unprecedented framework for studying community assembly processes in regions that are geographically and climatically isolated. Through amplicon sequence variant (ASV) inference, we compared the composition and structure of soil bacterial communities from glacier forefields in Iceland and Antarctica to assess overlap between communities and the impact of established cryptogamic covers on the uniqueness of their taxa. These pioneer microbial communities were found to share only 8% of ASVs and each taxonomic group's contribution to the shared ASV data subset was heterogeneous and independent of their relative abundance. Although the presence of ASVs specific to one glacier forefield and/or different cryptogam cover values confirms the existence of habitat specialist bacteria, our data show that the influence of cryptogams on the edaphic bacterial community structure also varied also depending on the taxonomic group. Hence, the establishment of distinct cryptogamic covers is probably not the only factor driving the uniqueness of bacterial communities at both poles. The structure of bacterial communities colonising deglaciated areas seems also conditioned by lineage-specific limitations in their dispersal capacity and/or their establishment and persistence in these isolated and hostile regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Del Moral
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), CSIC, Serrano 115 dpdo, E-28006 Madrid, Spain.,AstrobiologyOU, School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, STEM Faculty, The Open University, Walton Hall, Kents Hill, MK7 6AA, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Isaac Garrido-Benavent
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), CSIC, Serrano 115 dpdo, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Durán
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calzada Martin de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jan R Lehmann
- Remote Sensing and Spatial Modelling, Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Heisenbergstrasse 2, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alexandra Rodríguez
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calzada Martin de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Starri Heiðmarsson
- Icelandic Institute of Natural History, Borgir vio Noroursloo 600-Akureyri, Iceland
| | - Asunción de Los Ríos
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), CSIC, Serrano 115 dpdo, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
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