Open AccessDistinguishing the molecular diversity, nutrient content, and energetic potential of exometabolomes produced by macroalgae and reef-building corals
Author(s) -
Linda Wegley Kelly,
Craig E. Nelson,
Daniel Petras,
Irina Koester,
Zachary A. Quinlan,
Milou G. I. Arts,
LouisFélix Nothias,
Jacqueline Comstock,
Brandie White,
Ellen C. Hopmans,
Fleur C. van Duyl,
Craig A. Carlson,
Lihini I. Aluwihare,
Pieter C. Dorrestein,
Andreas F. Haas
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2110283119
Subject(s) - coral reef , reef , algae , biology , ecology , biogeochemistry , biogeochemical cycle , crustose , environmental chemistry , chemistry
Significance Marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is one of the most complex and abundant chemical mixtures on earth, comprising thousands of different molecules. The molecular structure of these compounds is one factor structuring the community of microorganisms that metabolize them; in turn, this microbial metabolism mediates the composition of DOM. Decades of coral reef research has established the fundamental importance of microbial biogeochemistry in ecosystem function. This study unveils coral reef DOM by identifying a myriad of specific metabolite classes released into the surrounding waters by reef-building corals and algae, further characterizing their energetic and nutrient content and providing a foundation for linking benthic ecology with microbial processes that influence both the livelihood and demise of coral reefs.