Unexpected microbial rhodopsin dynamics in sync with phytoplankton blooms.

ABSTRACT: The surface ocean is the largest sunlit environment on Earth where marine microalgae are known as the main drivers of global productivity. However, rhodopsin phototrophs are actually the most abundant metabolic group, suggesting a major role in the biogeochemical cycles. While previous studies have shown that rhodopsin-containing bacterioplankton thrive in the most severely nutrient-depleted environments, growing evidence suggest that this type of phototrophy may also be relevant in nutrient-rich environments. To examine its role in productive waters, we investigated the monthly rhodopsin dynamics in the upwelling system of the Southern California Bight by measuring retinal-the photoreactive chromophore essential for rhodopsin function-in seawater. Unlike oligotrophic regions, rhodopsin le

SUBMITTER: Gomez-Consarnau L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12823576 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature