A Synthesis of Viral Contribution to Marine Nitrogen Cycling.

ABSTRACT: Nitrogen is an essential component of major cellular macromolecules, such as DNA and proteins. Its bioavailability has a fundamental influence on the primary production of both terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Diverse marine microbes consume nitrogen, while only a limited taxon could replenish it, leaving nitrogen one of the most deficient nutrients in the ocean. A variety of microbes are involved in complex biogeochemical transformations of nitrogen compounds, and their ecological functions might be regulated by viruses in different manners. First and foremost, viruses drive marine nitrogen flow via host cell lysis, releasing abundant organic nitrogen into the surrounding environment. Secondly, viruses can also participate in the marine nitrogen cycle by expressing auxiliary met

SUBMITTER: Wang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9083009 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature