Applications of laser scanning microscopy for analysis of aquatic microhabitats.

Laser scanning microscopy was used 1) to analyze Mn oxide-encrusted biofilms and particles in marine Mn-oxidizing enrichment cultures, 2) to optimize fluorescence in situ hybridization protocols of 16S ribosomal RNA-targeted oligonucleotide signature probes for single bacterial cell identification in particles from a wetland, and 3) to develop a combined immunofluorescence-microautoradiography procedure for analysis of the distribution of 14C-labeled organic compounds and 14C-mineralizing bacteria in groundwater seep sediments. The results demonstrated the wide applicability and benefits of using laser scanning microscopy for analysis of complex microbial assemblages.