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Unraveling the Unseen Players in the Ocean - A Field Guide to Water Chemistry and Marine Microbiology
Published on: November 5, 2014
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Grazing on Marine Viruses and Its Biogeochemical Implications
Kyle M J Mayers1, Constanze Kuhlisch2, Jonelle T R Basso3
1Environment and Climate Division, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway.
Mbio
|January 30, 2023
Summary
Marine viruses, including large Nucleocytoviricota (NCV), offer significant nutritional value. Nonhost grazing on these viruses reintegrates them into the food web, a process termed "viral sweep."
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Virology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Marine viruses are abundant and diverse, influencing nutrient cycling.
- Lytic viruses cause cell lysis, impacting trophic levels.
- Ingestion of viruses by nonhost organisms is observed but poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the elemental composition and biogeochemical relevance of marine viruses.
- To evaluate the nutritional value of viruses, particularly roseophages and Nucleocytoviricota (NCV).
- To introduce and define the concept of "viral sweep".
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on marine viral composition and nutritional value.
- Focus on bacteriophages (e.g., roseophages) and large DNA viruses (Nucleocytoviricota).
- Analysis of viral particle size and lipid membrane content in relation to grazer ingestion.
Main Results:
- Marine viruses possess nutritional value due to their elemental composition and energy-rich lipid membranes.
- Large viruses like Nucleocytoviricota are within the size range of marine grazers.
- Viruses can be reintegrated into the classical food web via nonhost grazing.
Conclusions:
- Marine viruses represent a potentially significant, yet overlooked, nutrient source.
- The
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