The Marine Microbiome An Untapped Source of Biodiversity and Biotechnological Potential

About this book

The Marine Microbiome describes the state-of-the-art concerning the 'marine microbiome' and its uses in biotechnology. The first part discusses the diversity and ecology of marine microorganisms and viruses, including all three domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. It discusses whether marine microorganisms exist and, if so, why they might be unique. The second part presents selected marine habitats, their inhabitants and how they influence biogeochemical cycles, while the third discusses the utilization of marine microbial resources, including legal aspects, dissemination, and public awareness.

The marine microbiome is the total of microorganisms and viruses in the ocean and seas and in any connected environment, including the seafloor and marine animals and plants. The diversity of microbial life remains unquantified and largely unknown, and could represent a hidden treasure for human society. Accordingly, The Marine Microbiome is also intended to connect academics and industry, providing essential information for microbiologists from both fields.

Contents

- What is so special about marine microorganisms? Introduction to the marine microbiome - from diversity to biotechnological potential
- Marine Bacteria and Archaea: diversity, adaptations, and culturability
- Phototrophic microorganisms: the basis of the marine food web
- Marine fungi
- Marine viruses
- Biogeography of Marine Microorganisms
- The euphotic realm
- Exploring the microbiology of the deep sea
- Extreme marine environments (brines, seeps, and smokers)
- Coastal sediments: Transition from land to sea
- Photosymbiosis in marine pelagic environments
- Marine microbial systems ecology: microbial networks in the sea
- Screening microorganisms for bioactive compounds
- Metagenomics as a tool for biodiscovery and enhanced production of marine bioactives
- New approaches for bringing the uncultured into culture
- Bringing new products from marine microorganisms to the market
- Marine Genetic Resources and the Access and Benefit-Sharing Legal Framework
- Outreach of the unseen majority

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