Microorganisms and the viruses that infect them are the most numerous biological entities
on Earth and enclose its greatest biodiversity and genetic reservoir. With strength in their …

Laboratory microcosm experiments using protists as model organisms have a long tradition
and are widely used to investigate general concepts in population biology, community …

The ribosomal rRNA genes are widely used as genetic markers for taxonomic identification
of microbes. Particularly the small subunit (SSU; 16S/18S) rRNA gene is frequently used for …

Sequencing of 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons is the most common
approach for investigating environmental prokaryotic diversity, despite the known biases …

General studies on benthic microbial communities focus on fundamental biogeochemical
processes or the most abundant constituents. Thereby, minor fractions such as the …

We describe a deep-branching lineage of marine Actinobacteria with very low GC content
(33%) and the smallest free living cells described yet (cell volume ca. 0.013 μm3), even …

Freshwater ecosystems are critical but fragile environments directly affecting society and its
welfare. However, our understanding of genuinely freshwater microbial communities …

The perennial river Ganga is recognized as one of India's largest rivers of India, but due to
continuous anthropogenic activities, the river's ecosystem is under threat. Next-generation …

Evolutionary transitions between fresh and salt water happen infrequently among
bacterioplankton. Within the ubiquitous and highly abundant heterotrophic …

Hypersaline environments are found around the world, above and below ground, and many
are exposed to hydrocarbons on a continuous or a frequent basis. Some surface …