Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered over 230 previously unknown giant viruses, often referred to as “giruses,” in seawater samples from oceans around the world.
These viruses are far larger and more complex than typical viruses, sometimes rivaling bacteria in size and genetic content.
Their genomes can span more than a million base pairs and include genes commonly found in cellular organisms—such as those for metabolism, photosynthesis, and even DNA repair—challenging our traditional definition of what a virus is.
These giant viruses primarily infect marine protists, such as algae and amoebae, playing a crucial role in ocean ecosystems.
By hijacking their hosts’ metabolic and reproductive systems, these viruses can influence major biological processes like carbon cycling and oxygen production.
This interaction has significant implications for climate regulation and nutrient flow, as marine microbes are at the foundation of the food web and account for a large portion of the Earth's oxygen production.
The study also suggests that these viruses may be important in controlling harmful algal blooms, which can devastate marine biodiversity and fisheries.
By better understanding how these viruses operate and interact with microbial life, scientists could develop new tools for monitoring and managing the health of ocean ecosystems.
This groundbreaking discovery reveals just how much of Earth’s microbial and viral diversity remains unexplored and emphasizes the ocean’s role as a critical reservoir of biological innovation.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered over 230 previously unknown giant viruses, often referred to as “giruses,” in seawater samples from oceans around the world.
These viruses are far larger and more complex than typical viruses, sometimes rivaling bacteria in size and genetic content.
Their genomes can span more than a million base pairs and include genes commonly found in cellular organisms—such as those for metabolism, photosynthesis, and even DNA repair—challenging our traditional definition of what a virus is.
These giant viruses primarily infect marine protists, such as algae and amoebae, playing a crucial role in ocean ecosystems.
By hijacking their hosts’ metabolic and reproductive systems, these viruses can influence major biological processes like carbon cycling and oxygen production.
This interaction has significant implications for climate regulation and nutrient flow, as marine microbes are at the foundation of the food web and account for a large portion of the Earth's oxygen production.
The study also suggests that these viruses may be important in controlling harmful algal blooms, which can devastate marine biodiversity and fisheries.
By better understanding how these viruses operate and interact with microbial life, scientists could develop new tools for monitoring and managing the health of ocean ecosystems.
This groundbreaking discovery reveals just how much of Earth’s microbial and viral diversity remains unexplored and emphasizes the ocean’s role as a critical reservoir of biological innovation.
