role of diazotrophs in coral holobiont nitrogen cycling

Efficient nutrient cycling in the coral-algal symbiosis requires stable but limited nitrogen availability. Coral-associated diazotrophs, i.e. prokaryotes capable of fixing dinitrogen, may thus support productivity in a stable coral-algal symbiosis, but could contribute to its breakdown when overstimulated. Here, we assessed the effects of heat stress on diazotroph assemblage and their contribution to holobiont nutrient cycling in the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata from the central Red Sea.