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Novel Forms Of Structural Integration Between Microbes And A Vent Gastropod From The Indian Ocean, Shana K. Goffredi, Anders Waren, Victoria J. Orphan, Cindy L. Van Dover, Robert C. Vrijenhoek

Shana Goffredi

Here we describe novel forms of structural integration between endo- and episymbiotic microbes and an unusual new species of snail from hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean. The snail houses a dense population of γ-proteobacteria within the cells of its greatly enlarged esophageal gland. This tissue setting differs from that of all other vent mollusks, which harbor sulfur-oxidizing endosymbionts in their gills. The significantly reduced digestive tract, the isotopic signatures of the snail tissues, and the presence of internal bacteria suggest a dependence on chemoautotrophy for nutrition. Most notably, this snail is unique in having a dense coat of mineralized …