Microbial Communities in Freshwater and Marine Environment
Which group of microorganisms is responsible for a large part of primary production in aquatic ecosystem?
Phytoplankton(cyanobateria, microalgae)
What are airborne particles that contain or carry microorganisms called?
Bioaerosis
What type of interaction occurs when two microorganisms compete for the same limited nutrient?
Competition
Why is microbial diversity usually higher in nutrient-rich aquatic environments?
Because greater nutrient availability supports more microbial species with different ecological niches.
Which environmental factors most strongly influence the survival of microorganisms in the atmosphere?
Temperature, humidity, UV radiation, and availability of nutrients.
What is the difference between mutualism and commensalism in microbial communities?
In mutualism, both organisms benefit; in commensalism, one benefits while the other is largely unaffected.
How does oxygen depletion in deep aquatic environments change the structure and metabolism of microbial communities?
It favors anaerobic microorganisms and processes such as denitrification, sulfate reduction, and methanogenesis.
How can microorganisms in the atmosphere influence the formation of clouds and precipitation?
Some microorganisms can act as cloud condensation or ice-nucleating particles, promoting cloud formation and precipitation.
How can one microorganism inhibit the growth of another through the production of antimicrobial compounds?
It can produce substances such as antibiotics, bacteriocins, or other inhibitory metabolites that suppress or kill competing microorganisms.