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Understanding marine microbes - Trends and future diections

DRS at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography

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Title Understanding marine microbes - Trends and future diections
 
Creator Chandramohan, D.
 
Subject microorganisms
ecosystems
biodegradation
nutrient cycles
chemosynthesis
metabolism
ecological associations
microbial contamination
biogeochemical cycle
 
Description Microbes which form an integral part of any ecosystem including the marine ecosystem are represented by groups such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, diatoms, algae, protozoa etc. These being fundamental blocks of an ecosystem their activities have very significant influence on the various chemical and biological vital processes in nature like nutrient regeneration, biodegradation of toxic pollutants, chemosynthesis in deep-seas etc. They exhibit tremendous versatility not only in surviving extreme environments but also in exhibiting invaluable commercial potential. Many marine bacteria have shown a requirement for sodium, potassium and magnesium ions. Some of them also require chloride ions and ferric ion. Nearly 80% of the organic matter produced in the top 100 to 300 meters of the ocean is metabolized before it sinks bleow the photic zone. In the 1970s, a new community of life forms was discovered in the ocean. It was formed around hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor and obtained its energy from the chemoautotrophic metabolism of the sulphide-rich water issuing from the vents. In contrast to the deeps, unique microbial communities get themselves established in estuaries where the physical and chemical properties undergo rapid changes. The studies so far conducted include microbial biogeochemical cycles (carbon, sulphur, nitrogen and phosphorous), diseases of marine plants and animals, biodegradation of crude oil and natural biopolymers, heterotrophic activities, free enzyme activities in sediments, microbial antagonism, metal-microbe interactions and microbiological pollution of coastal waters. Among the various groups of bacteria sulphate-reducing bacteria and bioluminescent bacteria are the ones which received considerable attention so far. Besides, some special groups such as thraustochytrids (fungus like protists) because of their uniquitousness and physiological capabilities to utilize a wide variety of complex organic substrates attracted the attention of scientists. Even though there are certain on-going prorammes on several aspects in this area of research, some important aspects are still missing. For example, in India, there is no serious programme to study the marine viruses and pathogenic bacteria.
 
Date 2009-01-10T11:51:51Z
2009-01-10T11:51:51Z
1999
 
Type Book Chapter
 
Identifier Ocean science: Trends and future directions, Somayajulu, B.L.K. 151-175p.
http://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/1861
 
Language en
 
Rights Copyright [1999]. All efforts have been made to respect the copyright to the best of our knowledge. Inadvertent omissions, if brought to our notice, stand for correction and withdrawal of document from this repository.
 
Publisher Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi (India)