Viruses are hidden drivers of ocean's nutrient cycle

[Michaelangelica]

Viruses are hidden drivers of ocean's nutrient cycle

 

A deep sea bacterium (prokaryote). "In the deep ocean, there is a strong interaction between viruses and prokaryotes, which helps sustain the deep-sea ecosystems independently of the nutrient inputs coming from the surface waters. It's a sort of self-sustaining mechanism, helping the ocean depths to overcome severe nutrient limitations." The virus work has "huge implications" for understanding the ocean carbon cycle, Roberto Danovaro said. It not only helps to sustain life at great depths, he said. Beyond 1,000 metres (3,250 feet) or so, prokaryotes account for 90 percent of the total biomass. (Photo: Foto: Karl Johaentges)

 

Viruses are hidden drivers of ocean's nutrient cycle

 

 

by Staff Writers

Paris (AFP) Aug 27, 2008

Scientists on Wednesday said they had discovered deep-sea viruses to be an unexpectedly potent driver of the so-called carbon cycle that sustains oceanic life and helps dampen global warming.

 

Under the carbon cycle, microscopic algae at the sea surface suck up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

 

Many of these microscopic creatures, called prokaryotes, become infected by naturally-occurring marine viruses.

 

When they die, their carbon-rich remains gently sink to lower depths, where they are then cannibalistically gobbled up by other bacteria.

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Viruses_are_hidden_drivers_of_oceans_nutrient_cycle_999.html

[Moontanman]

Viruses are hidden drivers of ocean's nutrient cycle

 

A deep sea bacterium (prokaryote). "In the deep ocean, there is a strong interaction between viruses and prokaryotes, which helps sustain the deep-sea ecosystems independently of the nutrient inputs coming from the surface waters. It's a sort of self-sustaining mechanism, helping the ocean depths to overcome severe nutrient limitations." The virus work has "huge implications" for understanding the ocean carbon cycle, Roberto Danovaro said. It not only helps to sustain life at great depths, he said. Beyond 1,000 metres (3,250 feet) or so, prokaryotes account for 90 percent of the total biomass. (Photo: Foto: Karl Johaentges)

 

 

Viruses are hidden drivers of ocean's nutrient cycle

 

Viruses could very well be the drivers of evolution as well.

 

Viruses take center stage in cellular evolution