The role of the virus-phytoplankton system in marine biogeochemical cycling: possible impacts of climate change
Date
2009Author
Sorensen, G.
Subject
climate change impact virus phytoplankton marine biogeochemical virus-phytoplankton Viral lysis Biogeochemical Cycles carbon cycle sulphur cycle iron cycle
Metadata
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Phytoplankton is the main driver of ocean net primary production (Falkowski
et al., 1998) and a dominant force behind biogeochemical cycling in the
ocean. It is a component of one of the oldest and best described virus-host
relationships (e.g. Suttle et al., 1990).
Viruses have typically been viewed as pathogens of marine organisms
but it has become clear that they also play a critical role in biogeochemical
processes in marine systems, themselves falling into the category of
dissolved organic matter (DOM) (Wilhelm & Suttle, 1999). Viruses play a large
part in carbon (Middelboe & Lyck, 2002), sulphur (Hill et al., 1998) and iron
cycling (Poorvin et al., 2004) in the world‟s oceans.
Earth‟s climate has warmed by approximately 0.6°C during the last 100
years. The rate of warming has doubled in the second half of the century
(Houghton, 2001). This rapid change has been attributed to the impact of
anthropogenic activities on the atmosphere. Climate change is already
affecting marine ecosystems and more extreme changes are predicted for the
future (Walther et al., 2002).
Whilst a number of studies have examined the effects of climate
variables on phytoplankton, it is unclear how marine viruses are affected by
these changes. This is important because of the close relationship between
viruses and their phytoplankton host. This review will outline the nature of
phytoplankton and marine viruses, with a virocentric bias. Relevant
biogeochemical cycles and the impact of climate change are described and
the possible effects of the altered environment on the phytoplankton-virus
system are considered.
Citation
Sorensen, G. (2009) 'The role of the virus-phytoplankton system in marine biogeochemical cycling: possible impacts of climate change', The Plymouth Student Scientist, p. 289-302.
Publisher
University of Plymouth
Journal
The Plymouth Student Scientist
Volume
2
Issue
2
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