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Science 27 January 2006:
Vol. 311. no. 5760, p. 432
DOI: 10.1126/science.311.5760.432f
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This Week in Science

Figure 1 Depth stratification occurs in the open ocean not only for large planktonic creatures but also for microbial plankton. DeLong et al. (p. 496) sampled and sequenced the microorganisms in the water column in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre with the aim of identifying sequences that tracked major environmental features. Above 200 meters, distinct photic zone sequences were found characteristic of photosynthetic and mobile microorganisms requiring iron, mostly Prochlorococcus (itself dividing into high- and low-light-tolerant clades) and Peligabacter, accompanied by Euryarchaea. Strikingly, photic zone microbes showed evidence of high rates of viral infection. Below 200 meters, Chloroflexi, SAR202, Planctomycetales, and Crenarchaea were found, with sequences suggesting a predominance of "adhesive" microbes that produce pili and synthesize polysaccharides and antibiotics.

CREDIT: DELONG ET AL.




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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)