New findings on the true–branched monotypic genus Iphinoe (Cyanobacteria) from geographically isolated caves (Greece)

Abstract: The type of branching is a morphological character of great significance, separating taxa within the true–branched cyanobacteria. In this paper, true–branched morphospecies of cyanobacteria belonging to genus Iphinoe Lamprinou et pantazidou, from different and geographically isolated caves of Greece, were investigated by coupling classical approach i.e. microscopy analysis (LM, SEM, TEM, CLSM) and molecular analysis (16S rRNA gene diversity). The morphological study revealed interspecific differences which could be attributed to adaptations to local conditions: Iphinoe cf. spelaeobios from the cave ‘Diktaion Andron ’ (Crete island) exhibit different type of branching (Y – and T–type) and smaller size compared to the type species Iphinoe spelaeobios (T– and V–type of branching) from the caves ‘Kastria ’ and ‘Koutouki ’ (Peloponnese, Attica). Despite their phenotypic differences and geographical isolation molecular analysis showed identical 16S rRNA sequences which indicate that both populations belong to the same genus