Knowra Marine microbiology Marine microbiology Marine microbiology studies microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and microscopic algae, in oceans and other saltwater environments. It examines their diversity, ecology, evolution, and effects on marine systems.
Marine nitrogen cycle : The transformations of nitrogen among chemical forms by marine organisms and physical processes. Marine microbes mediate nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification in the ocean.
Marine metagenomics : The sequencing and analysis of genetic material collected directly from marine environmental samples. It reveals microbial diversity and metabolic potential without requiring laboratory cultivation.
Marine bacteria : Bacteria living in seawater, sediments, sea ice, and other marine habitats. They are abundant and perform many of the ocean's core microbial transformations.
Hydrothermal vent microbiology : The study of microorganisms in and around seafloor hydrothermal vents. Vent communities demonstrate how chemical energy can support dense life without sunlight.
Rare biosphere : The low-abundance members of a microbial community, often detectable through genetic surveys. Rare marine taxa may become influential when environmental conditions change.
Marine carbon cycle : The movement and transformation of carbon among the ocean, atmosphere, organisms, and sediments. Microbial photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition govern much ocean carbon processing.
Global Ocean Sampling Expedition : A 2004–2006 survey that sampled ocean microbial communities and expanded knowledge of their genetic diversity. Its large-scale sequencing brought marine microbial diversity into genomic view.
Marine archaea : Archaea inhabiting marine environments, including abundant groups in the open ocean. Their roles in ammonia oxidation and carbon processing distinguish them from bacteria.
Deep biosphere : The realm of life within sediments and rocks beneath Earth's surface. Subseafloor microbes persist in isolated habitats and contribute to long-term geochemical cycles.
Uncultured microorganisms : Microorganisms not yet grown in laboratory culture under known conditions. Many ocean lineages remain difficult to study because their growth requirements are unknown.
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