These webs are vital to the stability and production of ecosystems in a variety of aquatic environments, including lakes, rivers, and oceans.
They release organic matter back into the environment by infecting and lysing planktonic algae (phycoviruses) and bacterial cells (bacteriophages).
Therefore, viruses in the microbial food web act to reduce the population of bacteria and, by lysing bacterial cells, release particulate and dissolved organic carbon (DOC).
When vital nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are scarce during periods of uneven development, algal cells have the potential to produce DOC.
Therefore, carbon produced during photosynthesis is not used for the synthesis of proteins (and subsequent cell growth), but is limited due to a lack of the nutrients necessary for macromolecules.
[5] Environmental factors that have a significant impact on microbial food webs include temperature, availability of light, and nutrient concentrations.
By analyzing genetic material from environmental samples, researchers can get insights into the diversity and roles of microbial communities using metagenomics.
This loop makes sure that the DOC created by photosynthetic organisms is used by heterotrophic bacteria and then moves up the food chain, which is crucial for sustaining the flow of nutrients and energy within the ecosystem.
[7] By facilitating the transfer of nutrients and energy, microbial food webs are essential for the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems.
It is crucial to comprehend these complex relationships to address environmental issues and advance sustainable management of aquatic resources.