Researchers at the University of Miami have uncovered how ocean viruses hijack photosynthesis, shaping marine ecosystems and global carbon cycles. Researchers also identified 530 new proteins within these viruses, including nine linked to photosynthesis—suggesting the viruses may interfere with how their hosts convert sunlight into energy.

Ocean viruses have surprising new functions

According to Mohammad Moniruzzaman, co-author of the study and assistant professor in the university’s Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, gaining a better understanding of the diversity and role of giant viruses in the ocean—and how they interact with algae and other microbes—could help predict and potentially manage harmful algal blooms, which pose risks to human health in Florida and around the world.

“Giant viruses are often the main cause of death for many phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the food web supporting ocean ecosystems and food sources. The novel functions found in giant viruses could have biotechnological potential, as some of these functions might represent novel enzymes,” explained Moniruzzaman in a press release on University of Miami’s website.

Source: Interesting Engineering.