The Marine Microbiome : An Untapped Source of Biodiversity and Biotechnological Potential

This book describes the state-of-the-art concerning the {u2018}marine microbiome{u2019} 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, this book is also intended to connect academics and industry, providing essential information for microbiologists from both fields. Front Matter....Pages i-xiv Front Matter....Pages 1-1 What is so Special About Marine Microorganisms? Introduction to the Marine Microbiome—From Diversity to Biotechnological Potential....Pages 3-20 Marine Bacteria and Archaea: Diversity, Adaptations, and Culturability....Pages 21-55 Phototrophic Microorganisms: The Basis of the Marine Food Web....Pages 57-97 Marine Fungi....Pages 99-153 Marine Viruses....Pages 155-183 Front Matter....Pages 185-185 Biogeography of Marine Microorganisms....Pages 187-207 The Euphotic Realm....Pages 209-225 Exploring the Microbiology of the Deep Sea....Pages 227-249 Extreme Marine Environments (Brines, Seeps, and Smokers)....Pages 251-282 Coastal Sediments: Transition from Land to Sea....Pages 283-304 Photosymbiosis in Marine Pelagic Environments....Pages 305-332 Front Matter....Pages 333-333 Marine Microbial Systems Ecology: Microbial Networks in the Sea....Pages 335-344 Screening Microorganisms for Bioactive Compounds....Pages 345-376 Metagenomics as a Tool for Biodiscovery and Enhanced Production of Marine Bioactives....Pages 377-400 New Approaches for Bringing the Uncultured into Culture....Pages 401-434 Bringing New Products from Marine Microorganisms to the Market....Pages 435-452 Marine Genetic Resources and the Access and Benefit-Sharing Legal Framework....Pages 453-472 Outreach of the Unseen Majority....Pages 473-498