Antarctic Algae’s Vitamin B12 Adaptability and Implications for the Environment
The Southern Ocean’s algae, specifically Phaeocystis antarctica (P. antarctica), have been found to possess a remarkable ability to adapt to varying levels of vitamin B12. Previously, it was believed that these algae, much like humans, required adequate levels of this essential nutrient to thrive. However, a recent study conducted by MIT, WHOI, J.C. Venter Institute, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UCSD) has shed new light on the adaptability of P. antarctica.
Unlike other polar phytoplankton species, P. antarctica can survive and thrive in conditions with or without vitamin B12. The researchers discovered a unique protein, known as B12-independent methionine synthase fusion protein (MetE), within the algae’s genetic makeup. This protein allows P. antarctica to produce key amino acids essential for its metabolism even in the absence of sufficient vitamin B12.
The flexibility of P. antarctica’s metabolism highlights a complex relationship between algae and essential nutrients like vitamin B12. While P. antarctica has long been considered dependent on iron nutrition, the presence of the MetE gene suggests that vitamin B12 also plays a crucial role in the algae’s survival and growth. This adaptability gives P. antarctica a competitive advantage, especially during the austral spring when B12-producing bacteria are scarce.
Lead researcher Deepa Rao emphasized the importance of understanding the nuanced relationship between algae and essential nutrients. The study challenges the traditional classification of algae as either B12-requiring or not, suggesting that their metabolism is more flexible and adaptable than previously thought.
Overall, the discovery of P. antarctica’s ability to thrive without vitamin B12 has significant implications for our understanding of marine ecosystems and the impact of climate change on Antarctic algae. By recognizing the adaptability of these essential organisms, scientists can better predict and assess the consequences of environmental changes on marine life.