Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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A Preliminary Investigation of Marine Yeast Biodiversity in New Zealand Waters

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posted on 2021-11-13, 12:07 authored by Francis, Melissa

This is the first known investigation of marine yeast biodiversity from waters surrounding New Zealand’s main Islands. Marine yeasts were cultured onto agar plates from algae sampled at three locations in the Wellington Region. DNA extractions and PCR amplifications of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were conducted, and resultant sequence data were used for isolate identification and phylogenetic analysis. Yeasts isolated during this investigation were not unique; seventy-four isolates were identified from a range of genera that are frequently detected in marine and terrestrial environments worldwide. Furthermore, high ITS sequence similarity was observed between yeasts isolated during this investigation and those from geographically distant locations. These findings may indicate that marine yeasts are ubiquitous at a global level, although evidence is insufficient as to whether yeasts also demonstrate biogeographic distribution patterns. Yeasts isolated during this investigation may have ecological implications in New Zealand’s marine environment; marine yeasts are likely to play a general saprophytic role and certain genera are pathogenic. Isolates were also identified from genera that have previously demonstrated beneficial properties and applications, including the production of useful compounds and highly nutritious yeast biomass, biocontrol potential against the postharvest decay of produce, and degradation abilities that may enable bioremediation of polluted marine environments.

History

Copyright Date

2013-01-01

Date of Award

2013-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Molecular Microbiology

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Science

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Biological Sciences

Advisors

Zuccarello, Joe; Webb, Vicky