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Nature 438, 33-35 (3 November 2005) | doi:10.1038/438033a; Published online 2 November 2005

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Microbiology: Algae and the vitamin mosaic

Robert A. Andersen1

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The requirements for vitamin B12 vary among algal species in a seemingly inexplicable pattern. A study that exploits genomic data now provides enlightenment — and evidence of symbioses with bacteria.

Animals require vitamin B12 in their diets but plants don't. Algal requirements, on the other hand, present a complicated picture.

  1. Robert A. Andersen is at the Provasoli–Guillard National Center for Culture of Marine Phytoplankton, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575, USA.
    Email: randersen@bigelow.org

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