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Viruses in Antarctic lakes.

R L Kepner¹, R A Wharton, C A Suttle

¹Biological Sciences Center, Desert Research Institute, Reno, Nevada 89506, USA.

Limnology and Oceanography

|September 7, 2001

Summary

Extracellular viruses were abundant in Antarctic lakes, suggesting viral lysis regulates microbial populations. These unique polar viruses may possess novel characteristics.

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Area of Science:

* Antarctic limnology
* Virology
* Microbial ecology

Background:

* Perennially ice-covered Antarctic lakes are extreme environments with limited research on microbial life.
* Extracellular viruses play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems, influencing microbial population dynamics and biogeochemical cycles.
* Previous studies have not investigated viral communities in these unique polar habitats.

Purpose of the Study:

* To report the first observation and characterization of viruses in perennially ice-covered Antarctic lakes.
* To assess the abundance and potential ecological impact of viruses in these extreme environments.
* To explore the possibility of novel viruses with unique biological properties in Antarctic lakes.

Main Methods:

* Collection of water samples from four Antarctic lakes during the 1996-1997 austral summer.
* Morphological analysis of extracellular viruses using microscopy.
* Estimation of viral abundance and comparison with bacterial and primary production rates.

Main Results:

* High densities of extracellular viruses were detected in all sampled lakes.
* Many observed viruses were morphologically similar to known double-stranded DNA viruses infecting algae and protozoa.
* Viral abundance was substantial relative to bacterial and primary production, indicating significant ecological impact.

Conclusions:

* Viral lysis is likely a major factor regulating microbial populations in these Antarctic lakes.
* Antarctic lakes may harbor a reservoir of previously undescribed viruses with potentially novel characteristics.
* Further research is warranted to investigate the biodiversity and biochemical properties of these polar viruses.

Keywords:

NASA Discipline Exobiology Non-NASA Center

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