Related Experiment Videos
Virioplankton: viruses in aquatic ecosystems.
1Center of Marine Biotechnology, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, USA.
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|March 8, 2000
Summary
Aquatic viruses, or virioplankton, are the most abundant organisms in natural waters. Viral infection significantly impacts microbial food webs, influencing the diversity and composition of bacterial and algal communities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Aquatic ecology
- Virology
Background:
- Viruses are the most abundant organisms in aquatic environments, outnumbering bacteria.
- Little was known about virus-host interactions in natural aquatic settings.
- Virioplankton populations are dynamic, varying with location and season.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of viruses on aquatic microbial communities.
- To understand the role of virioplankton in microbial food webs.
- To explore how viral infection influences community structure and diversity.
Main Methods:
- Enumeration of viruses in aquatic environments.
- Development of new methods to measure viral infection and lysis.
- Application of molecular genetic techniques.
Main Results:
- Virioplankton are dynamic and abundant, primarily composed of bacteriophages and algal viruses.
- Viral infection significantly impacts bacterial and phytoplankton populations.
- Viral infection influences the composition and diversity of aquatic microbial communities.
Conclusions:
- Viruses play a significant role in aquatic microbial food webs.
- Viral infection is a key factor shaping the structure and diversity of microbial communities in natural waters.