Rethinking role of viruses in coral reef ecosystems

(San Diego State University) Viruses are thought to frequently kill their host bacteria, especially at high microbial density. A state called lysogeny, in which viruses lie dormant but don't kill their hosts, has been thought to be relatively rare , mostly occurring at low bacterial concentrations. A new study suggests lysogeny might be much more common than previously believed. These findings could lead to a better understanding of degraded coral reef ecosystems and how to preserve them.

Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - May 22, 2017 Category: Biology Source Type: news