NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Viruses in Antarctic lakesWater samples collected from four perennially ice-covered Antarctic lakes during the austral summer of 1996-1997 contained high densities of extracellular viruses. Many of these viruses were found to be morphologically similar to double-stranded DNA viruses that are known to infect algae and protozoa. These constitute the first observations of viruses in perennially ice-covered polar lakes. The abundance of planktonic viruses and data suggesting substantial production potential (relative to bacteria] secondary and photosynthetic primary production) indicate that viral lysis may be a major factor in the regulation of microbial populations in these extreme environments. Furthermore, we suggest that Antarctic lakes may be a reservoir of previously undescribed viruses that possess novel biological and biochemical characteristics.
Document ID
20040120030
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kepner, R. L. Jr
(Desert Research Institute Reno, Nevada 89506, United States)
Wharton, R. A. Jr
Suttle, C. A.
Wharton RA, J. r.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: Limnology and oceanography
Volume: 43
Issue: 7
ISSN: 0024-3590
Subject Category
Exobiology
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1947
CONTRACT_GRANT: 92-11773
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Exobiology

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available