Molecular detection of a novel perkinsid associated with the deep-sea clam Phreagena okutanii.

Based on environmental DNA surveys, it is widely held that phylogenetically diverse protists exist in chemosynthetic ecosystems. However, knowledge regarding the protists associated with the endemic animals inhabiting these environments is still very limited. In the present study, utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, we detected fragments of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA genes from a particular protist in the gills of the vesicomyid clam Phreagena okutanii (formerly described as Calyptogena okutanii), a representative animal in chemosynthetic ecosystems.