Algae acquire vitamin B12 through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria

Martin T. Croft, Andrew D. Lawrence, Evelyne Raux-Deery, Martin J. Warren and Alison G. Smith ()
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Martin T. Croft: University of Cambridge
Andrew D. Lawrence: University of Kent
Evelyne Raux-Deery: University of Kent
Martin J. Warren: University of Kent
Alison G. Smith: University of Cambridge

Nature, 2005, vol. 438, issue 7064, 90-93

Abstract: To make B or not to make B... Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is one of nature's most complex metabolites. It is an essential human nutrient, and because it is not found in plants, strict vegetarians may suffer from deficiencies. Algae, including many seaweeds, are often rich in this vitamin and thus offer a good dietary source. However, until now the role of this cofactor in algal metabolism was unknown, as was the source of the vitamin for these organisms. A survey of the vitamin B12 requirements of more than 300 microalgal species has produced a startling result. Just under half of the algae have no requirement for the vitamin, and so are just like plants. But the rest of these supposedly autotrophic organisms require an external supply of the vitamin: they cannot make it themselves, rather it comes from tightly associated symbiotic bacteria.

Date: 2005
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04056

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