SGER: Are Viruses a Significant Component of Dissolved DNA Marine Environment

海洋环境中溶解的DNA的存在已经有了充分的记录。最近，病毒已被证明是海水溶解部分的重要生物成分。目前尚不清楚溶解的DNA中有多少是真正可溶的DNA，多少是包裹在病毒颗粒内的DNA。环境中可溶性DNA和完整病毒粒子的分化和定量对生态学和遗传学都具有重要意义。从生态学的角度来看，可溶性DNA是大分子生物合成的一种核酸前体。毫无疑问，病毒有助于溶解DNA和有机碳的产生，并通过裂解宿主来控制微生物种群。保罗博士将开发从水柱中的游离DNA中分离和定量病毒颗粒的方法。本研究将为今后的研究提供快速分离病毒的方法。

The existence of dissolved DNA in the marine environment has been well documented. Recently, viruses have been shown to be an important biological component of the dissolved fraction of seawater.It is not known what proportion of the dissolved DNA is truly soluble DNA or DNA encapsulated within a virus particle. Differentiation and quantitation of the soluble DNA and the intact virions in the environment is important for both ecological and genetic reasons. From the ecological perspective, soluble DNA is a form of nucleic acid precursors for macromolecular biosynthesis. Viruses no doubt contribute to dissolved DNA and organic carbon production and control the microbial population by lysing their hosts. Dr. Paul will develop methods to separate and quantitate viral particles from free DNA in the water column. This study will lead to methodology for the rapid isolation of viruses for future study.