OCEANUS SEMINAR SERIES | Flora Vincent | 13 Jan | 11h30

 

Title: Viral effects in the marine world: from single-cells to planktonic ecosystems

Name: Flora Vincent

 

Marine viruses are the most abundant entity in the ocean but their impact on microbial dynamics and nutrient fluxes remains unresolved. By assessing active viral infection in single cells of the blooming alga Emiliania huxleyi, we decipher its giant virus life cycle. Only 25% of the cells were infected in a natural bloom, highlighting the importance of other mortality agents. Enrichment of infected cells in potential sinking cell aggregates suggests a host defense strategy. We explore the impact of E. huxleyi blooms on microbial communities and biogeochemical processes during a large-scale experiment. Giant virus infection toggles a switch between prokaryotic and eukaryotic recyclers of organic matter. Our results expand marine microbiology's foundational concepts of the microbial loop and viral shunt.

 

Free online webinar. To access please follow this LINK.