Simple parasites or major players in aquatic ecosystems?

Collection : Enjeux sciences
septembre 2026
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Présentation

Viruses never cease to fascinate and frigthen us because of their pathogenic nature for plants and animals. In seas and oceans, they are major players in the functioning of ecosystems. Viruses are the smallest, most abundant, and most diverse biological entities known to date in marine environments, where they perform multiple functions. In addition to their role in cellular mortality and the redistribution of matter, viruses are also powerful drivers of the evolution of their hosts and represent a major source of genetic diversity, offering rich opportunities for discoveries in both fundamental and applied research. The aim of this book is to highlight an invisible biological community that is essential for understanding and explaining how the oceans function. The authors, specialists in the ecology and evolution of aquatic viruses, show how viruses regulate microbial ecosystems—the foundation of oceanic food webs—and how their activity could, under certain circumstances, influence the climate. 

This book is intended for students in life and earth sciences, teachers, researchers, and academics, as well as for the general public interested in the subject of viruses and the oceans. 

Sommaire

What is a virus, particularly a marine virus?

Definition and life cycle
Diversity and study methods
Microdiversity

Are viruses abundant in the ocean?

Are ocean sediments a reservoir of viruses?
In the deep sea
Oxygen minimum zones
Viruses that fly under the radar

Are all marine organisms affected by viruses?

Viruses of what?
The example of the ocean abyss
Virus resistance

What roles do viruses play in marine ecosystems?

Viruses as drivers of genetic diversity
Marine viruses: fearsome predators
Role of viruses in microbiota
Marine viruses and biogeochemical cycles
Viral response to the impacts of climate change
A brief summary

Why study marine viruses? Real-world applications

Phage therapy, a future-ready solution already in use
Biotechnological potential of microalgae viruses

What major questions remain unanswered?

Are viruses alive? Can they be placed in the tree of life?
Why do we find viruses that have no hosts?
Can marine (aquatic) viruses be dangerous for humans?
Are viruses good for their hosts?

Conclusion

Learn more (short bibliography)

Acknowledgments

About the authors

Lu dans la presse

Annonce

Pollutions sensorielles La face cachée de notre empreinte écologique ?

Romain Sordello

Livre papier 18,00 €

Caractéristiques

Langue(s) : Français

Éditeur : Éditions Quae

Collection : Enjeux sciences

Publication : 4 septembre 2026

Référence Livre papier : 03062

Référence eBook : 03062NUM

Référence eBook [ePub] : 03062EPB

EAN13 Livre papier : 9782759241040

EAN13 eBook : 9782759241057

EAN13 eBook [ePub] : 9782759241064

Intérieur : Noir & blanc, Couleur

Format (en mm) Livre papier : 120 x 190

Nombre de pages Livre papier : 100

Nombre de pages eBook : 100

Taille(s) : 1,49 Mo (ePub)

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