Abstract
This chapter discusses ecological, evolutionary, and geochemical consequences of viral infection of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae. In this chapter, algae are treated as a functional group rather than as a taxonomic unit. The primary focus of the chapter is on viruses that infect phytoplankton. The landscape of algal virus ecology is rapidly changing as new viruses are isolated on a regular basis and new methods for quantifying the effect of viruses in the natural environment are developed. This chapter presents taxonomy, morphology, and evolution of algal viruses. It demonstrates that algal viruses are a ubiquitous component of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Viral infection is common in algal populations, and they are extremely important as vectors of genetic information among algal populations in nature. Viruses may have significant effects on pathways of cycling of organic and inorganic nutrients, and may even be involved in the release of greenhouse gases.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
