DNA base composition of planktonic species of Anabaena (Cyanobacteria) and its taxonomic value

Abstract

Fifty axenic strains of planktonic Anabaena, including 24 strains of the straight form and 26 strains of the coiled form, were examined for their DNA base composition (GC content). The taxonomic value of their GC content at species level was evaluated by comparing their morphological, physiological and biochemical properties. The DNA base composition determined for all fifty strains ranged from 35.9 to 56.4mol% GC. The straight-form strains were in the range of 35.9-56.4mol% GC, while coiled forms were in the range of 38.1-50.3mol% GC. In general, strains assigned to the same species showed similar DNA base composition. However, of three strains of A. affinis Lemmermann that were separated into two categories, two had 40.6-40.9 mol% GC, and the third strain 45.6 mol% GC. It is noteworthy that the DNA base composition of the newly established species A. eucompacta Li et Watanabe was 45.5mol% GC, which differed from 39.5mol% GC of the morphologically close species, A. compacta (Nygarrd) Hickel.