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Molecular characterization and identification of marine yeasts from coastal and offshore regions in the southeastern Arabian Sea
Vijaya Bhaskar Y, Sravani M, Srinivas TNR, Anil Kumar P, Bhumika V, Shenoy BD
MycoAsia 2025/02.
https://doi.org/10.59265/mycoasia.2025-02
Abstract
This study investigates the diversity and distribution of marine yeasts in southeastern Arabian Sea, focusing on coastal and offshore regions. Yeast strains were identified through ITS and D1/D2 domain rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Microscopic analysis was performed to examine budding patterns and cell morphology. A total of 45 yeast strains were isolated from water samples collected at various depths from locations, including Kochi, Kollam, Trivandrum, Rameswaram, and the coastal waters of the Lakshadweep Islands (Minicoy, Kalpeni, and Kavaratti). Morphologically, the yeast strains were predominantly oval to rod-shaped and clustered into six clades: Debaryomyces, Kodamaea, Meyerozyma, Starmerella (Ascomycota), Rhodotorula and Sterigmatomyces (Basidiomycota). Notably, Starmerella strains were the most abundant, particularly in coastal waters. Among them, S. etchellsii and M. caribbica exhibited significant dry weight and protein concentrations, ranging from 13.9% to 65.1%. This study expands the limited knowledge of marine yeast diversity in Indian waters and provides insights into their molecular identification and potential biotechnological applications.
Plain Language Summary
Scientists explored yeast diversity in the southeastern Arabian Sea, collecting 45 strains from coastal and offshore waters, including the Lakshadweep Islands. Using genetic sequencing, they identified six main groups. The most common yeast was Starmerella, especially in coastal areas. Two particular species were found to be rich in protein, indicating their potential value for biotechnology. This research expands our limited knowledge of marine yeasts in Indian waters and highlights their promise for future industrial applications, providing a valuable molecular inventory of these microscopic fungi from this understudied marine environment.
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