Advances in viral ecology research

Abstract

Viruses are usually composed of a small fragment of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by coat protein, and have been recognized as the simplest living organisms known thus far. Viruses exist only as organic macromolecules when in the environment, because they lack integral enzyme and energy transformation systems. However, once they infect host cells, viruses become active and begin to replicate. Despite their dependence on host cells to reproduce, viruses are the most ubiquitous living organisms, and important drivers influencing microbial communities and ecosystem functioning. However, our understanding of the microbial ecology of viruses in the environment has not kept pace with the ra..