Latitudinal and depth-related contrasts in enzymatic capabilities of pelagic microbial communities: Predictable patterns in the ocean?

异养微生物群落是海洋碳循环中的关键角色，它们转化和呼吸有机碳，再生营养物质，并在沉积物中充当有机物在长期埋藏之前通过的最终过滤器。海洋中微生物驱动的碳循环深刻地影响着全球碳循环，但决定有机物再矿化速率和位置的关键因素尚不清楚。在这项研究中，来自北卡罗来纳大学教堂山分校的研究人员将调查远洋微生物群落启动多糖和蛋白质再矿化的能力，这两种物质共同构成了海洋中有机物质的主要来源。本研究的结果将在大尺度上预测微生物对有机物输入的反应性质，并将为解释海洋中有机物的反应性提供一个机制框架。更广泛的影响：这项研究将为来自代表性不足群体的本科生和研究生提供科学培训。该项目还将包括德国同事，从而加强国际科学合作。

Heterotrophic microbial communities are key players in the marine carbon cycle, transforming and respiring organic carbon, regenerating nutrients, and acting as the final filter in sediments through which organic matter passes before long-term burial. Microbially-driven carbon cycling in the ocean profoundly affects the global carbon cycle, but key factors determining rates and locations of organic matter remineralization are unclear. In this study, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will investigate the ability of pelagic microbial communities to initiate the remineralization of polysaccharides and proteins, which together constitute a major pool of organic matter in the ocean. Results from this study will be predictive on a large scale regarding the nature of the microbial response to organic matter input, and will provide a mechanistic framework for interpreting organic matter reactivity in the ocean.Broader Impacts: This study will provide scientific training for undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups. The project will also involve German colleagues, thus strengthening international scientific collaboration.