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Phaeocystis, major link in the biogeochemical cycling of climate-relevant elements pp 201–215Cite as

Phaeocystis and its interaction with viruses

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Abstract

Over the years, viruses have been shown to be mortality agents for a wide range of phytoplankton species, including species within the genus Phaeocystis (Prymnesiophyceae). With its polymorphic life cycle, its worldwide distribution, and the capacity of several of the Phaeocystis species to form dense blooms, this genus is a key player for our understanding of biogeochemical cycling of elements. This paper provides an overview of what is know to date about the ecological role of viruses in regulating Phaeocystis population dynamics. It explores which variables affect the algal host–virus interactions, and examines the impact of virally induced cell lysis of Phaeocystis on the function and structure of the pelagic food web as well as on the flow of organic carbon and nutrients.

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Abbreviations

PgV:

Phaeocystis globosa virus

PpV:

Phaeocysis pouchetii virus

TEP:

Transparent exopolymeric particles

MPN:

Most probable number

TEM:

Transmission electron microscopy

DsDNA:

Double-stranded DNA

HAB:

Harmful algal bloom species

PFGE:

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

DMS:

Dimethyl sulfide

DMSP:

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate

DOC:

Dissolved organic carbon

DOM:

Dissolved organic matter

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Biological Oceanography, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790AB, Den Burg, The Netherlands

    Corina P. D. Brussaard, Anne-Claire Baudoux & Piet Ruardij

  2. Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Jahnebakken 5, 5020, Bergen, Norway

    Gunnar Bratbak

Authors
  1. Corina P. D. Brussaard
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  2. Gunnar Bratbak
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  3. Anne-Claire Baudoux
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  4. Piet Ruardij
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Corina P. D. Brussaard .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Groningen, Haren, The Netherlands

    M. A. van Leeuwe , J. Stefels  & W. W. C. Gieskes ,  & 

  2. Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnment, Gif sur Yvette, France

    S. Belviso

  3. Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium

    C. Lancelot

  4. Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Savannah, GA, USA

    P. G. Verity

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Brussaard, C.P.D., Bratbak, G., Baudoux, AC., Ruardij, P. (2007). Phaeocystis and its interaction with viruses. In: van Leeuwe, M.A., Stefels, J., Belviso, S., Lancelot, C., Verity, P.G., Gieskes, W.W.C. (eds) Phaeocystis, major link in the biogeochemical cycling of climate-relevant elements. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6214-8_15

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