Canadian microbiologists have studied microorganisms and viruses in the unique Lake Milnfjord, located in the
Miln Fjord is an epishelf lakelocated at a distance of about 800 km from the North Pole. Lakes of this type are formed on ice shelves, while the ice cover separates the lake from sea water. The study showed that the lake is dominated by single-celled organisms, especially cyanobacteria, which are often infected with unusual "giant viruses".
Location of Lake Miln Fjord. Image: Myriam Labbe et al., ASM Journal
As a result of the study, scientists were able to identify15 complete circular genomes of viruses and microorganisms, including Pelagibacter, one of the smallest unicellular organisms. The researchers note that the discovery will help to better understand the evolution of viruses: a wide variety in a closed environment with known carriers allows you to trace the entire path of their development.
The researchers note the uniqueness of the viral community in the freshwater lake compared to the seawater of the surrounding ocean.In a body of water in which the salinity increases with depth, niches are formed for viruses and hosts that are not found in either freshwater or marine layers with the same salinity.Scientists.
The rapid rise in temperature limits the time left for microbiologists to explore the region. As the temperature rises and the glacier collapses, the unique closed ecosystem will be destroyed.
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On the cover: Matti&Keti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons