Linking microbial and ecosystem ecology using ecological stoichiometry: a synthesis of conceptual and empirical approaches

Ecosystems
By: , and 

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Abstract

Currently, one of the biggest challenges in microbial and ecosystem ecology is to develop conceptual models that organize the growing body of information on environmental microbiology into a clear mechanistic framework with a direct link to ecosystem processes. Doing so will enable development of testable hypotheses to better direct future research and increase understanding of key constraints on biogeochemical networks. Although the understanding of phenotypic and genotypic diversity of microorganisms in the environment is rapidly accumulating, how controls on microbial physiology ultimately affect biogeochemical fluxes remains poorly understood. We propose that insight into constraints on biogeochemical cycles can be achieved by a more rigorous evaluation of microbial community biomass composition within the context of ecological stoichiometry. Multiple recent studies have pointed to microbial biomass stoichiometry as an important determinant of when microorganisms retain or recycle mineral nutrients. We identify the relevant cellular components that most likely drive changes in microbial biomass stoichiometry by defining a conceptual model rooted in ecological stoichiometry. More importantly, we show how X-ray microanalysis (XRMA), nanoscale secondary ion mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS), Raman microspectroscopy, and in situ hybridization techniques (for example, FISH) can be applied in concert to allow for direct empirical evaluation of the proposed conceptual framework. This approach links an important piece of the ecological literature, ecological stoichiometry, with the molecular front of the microbial revolution, in an attempt to provide new insight into how microbial physiology could constrain ecosystem processes.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Linking microbial and ecosystem ecology using ecological stoichiometry: a synthesis of conceptual and empirical approaches
Series title Ecosystems
DOI 10.1007/s10021-010-9408-4
Volume 14
Issue 2
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher Springer-Verlag
Publisher location New York, NY
Description 13 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Ecosystems
First page 261
Last page 273
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