Taxonomic distribution of large DNA viruses in the sea
2008
Distribution of Large DNA Viruses in the Ocean
Sample size: 44
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Monier Adam, Claverie Jean-Michel, Ogata Hiroyuki
Primary Institution: CNRS-UPR 2589, IFR-88, Université de la Méditerranée
Hypothesis
What is the taxonomic distribution of large DNA viruses in marine environments?
Conclusion
Giant viruses of the Mimiviridae family are a diverse and significant part of large eukaryotic DNA viruses in the sea.
Supporting Evidence
- 811 homologous sequences of likely viral origin were identified.
- Most sequences corresponded to phages, with a significant number linked to the Mimiviridae family.
- Phylogenetic mapping revealed a diverse taxonomic distribution of large DNA viruses.
Takeaway
Scientists studied viruses in the ocean and found that giant viruses are very common and come in many different types.
Methodology
Phylogenetic mapping was used to analyze metagenomic data from the Sorcerer II Global Ocean Sampling Expedition.
Limitations
The study does not address small DNA viruses or RNA viruses.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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