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Why are there so many species of mollicutes? An essay on prokaryote diversity

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Biotic Diversity and Germplasm Preservation, Global Imperatives

Part of the book series: Beltsville Symposia in Agricultural Research ((BSAR,volume 13))

Abstract

Microbial species and genes are a natural treasure. Proximate factors determining their diversity include substrate, temperature, pressure, pH, atmosphere, osmolarity, redox, moisture and light, spatial and temporal features, and competitors. Interaction of these factors with microorganisms generates genetic and phenotypic diversity. Historical (evolutionary) factors, now being rapidly revealed by analysis of highly conserved macromolecules such as rRNA, determine diversity of cellular design and organization. The prokaryote class Mollicutes (mollicutes) can be used to illustrate these processes and relationships. These wall-less organisms, which are obligately associated with cells of eukaryotes, include commensals, mutualists, and pathogens, many of which are fastidious or noncultivable. Host ecologies organize proximate factors. Historical factors may reflect evolutionary origin at the time of radiation of the insect orders, and subsequent colonization of flowering plants and vertebrates. Based on current discovery curves, the mollicute genus Spiroplasma, which is obligately associated with arthropods, may be one of the largest genera of organisms. In this genus, a combination of nutritional and microhabitat specializations and ecological factors operating on both regional and local levels, are important determinants of diversity. Although most microbial taxa, like Mollicutes, are poorly known, current emphasis on microbial phylogeny should broaden our knowledge of microbial structure and function. Specialist microorganisms, whether primitive habitat-specific autotrophs, or symbiotes of eukaryotes, in their aggregate, have potentialities that vastly exceed those of eukaryotes, and merit attention and preservation.

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  1. Insect Pathology Laboratory, Plant Sciences Institute, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, USA

    Robert F. Whitcomb & Kevin J. Hackett

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  1. Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Building 003, 20705, Beltsvikke, MD, USA

    Lloyd V. Knutson (Research Entomologist) (Research Entomologist)

  2. Germplasm Services Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Room 127, Building 001, BARC-W, 20705, Beltsville, MD, USA

    Allan K. Stoner (Research Leader) (Research Leader)

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Whitcomb, R.F., Hackett, K.J. (1989). Why are there so many species of mollicutes? An essay on prokaryote diversity. In: Knutson, L.V., Stoner, A.K. (eds) Biotic Diversity and Germplasm Preservation, Global Imperatives. Beltsville Symposia in Agricultural Research, vol 13. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2333-1_11

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