Quantifying Microbial Activity In Situ: the Link between Cells and Cycles

Area of Science:

• Microbial Ecology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Metagenomic sequencing reveals extensive microbial diversity and metabolic interdependence in environments.
• Translating genomic data into ecosystem function and global chemical impacts remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue for the essential role of in situ microbial activity measurements.
• To connect microbial ecology advances with predictive understanding of global chemistry and climate.

Main Methods:

• Direct in situ measurements of microbial activity.
• Complementary genomic and stable isotope probing techniques.
• Studies across various spatial scales and experimental conditions.

Main Results:

• In situ measurements confirm gene-based hypotheses of microbial physiology.
• Process-based understanding enhances predictions of microbial responses to environmental change.
• Marine microbiology research links microbial processes to global biogeochemical cycles.

Conclusions:

• Direct in situ microbial activity measurements are vital for ecosystem function assessment.
• Integrating omics and activity measurements improves predictions of environmental change impacts.
• This approach is key to understanding the role of microbes in global chemistry and climate regulation.