Transmission electron microscope analysis of virus-like particles in the freshwater lakes of Signy Island, Antarctica

Authors
Wilson, WH Lane, D Pearce, DA Ellis-Evans, JC
Citation
Wh. Wilson et al., Transmission electron microscope analysis of virus-like particles in the freshwater lakes of Signy Island, Antarctica, POLAR BIOL, 23(9), 2000, pp. 657-660
Citations number
25
Categorie Soggetti
Biology
Journal title
POLAR BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
07224060 → ACNP
Volume
23
Issue
9
Year of publication
2000
Pages
657 - 660
Database
ISI
SICI code
0722-4060(200009)23:9<657:TEMAOV>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
Water samples from a range of fresh-water Antarctic lakes on Signy Island ( South Orkney Islands: 60 degrees 45'S, 45 degrees 38'W) were examined for t he presence of virus-like particles (VLPs) during the 1998/1999 field seaso n. It was discovered that VLPs were ubiquitous, morphologically diverse and abundant, with high concentrations ranging from 4.9 x 10(6) ml(-1) to 3.1 x 10(7) ml(-1). Likely hosts include bacteria, cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae. In addition, an unusually large virus morphotype was observed with a head diameter 370 x 330 nm and a tail 1.3 mu m long.