How viruses control microbial ecosystems

Abstract

Viruses are the most abundant nucleic acid containing biological parcel on earth, being ten times more than bacteria and archaea. Most are phage (infect bacteria), have a genome of DNA or RNA, and are encapsulated in a protein coat at concentrations of 1010/L in aquatic environments. The planet holds 1031 viruses inthe oceans alone and their biomass equals 200 Mt of carbon or 75 million blue whales. Stretched end-to-end they would span 10 million light years. They are obligate parasites and without doubt a pervasive influence on microbial ecosystems.