What are Prokaryotes?

Prokaryotes are tiny, single-celled organisms that include bacteria and archaea. They are among the oldest life forms on Earth, existing for over 3.5 billion years. Prokaryotes are everywhere, thriving in many different environments, including the ocean. They are incredibly abundant—there are about two tonnes of marine prokaryotes for every person on Earth. They play a key role in marine ecosystems and food chains.

The Role of Prokaryotes in Carbon Cycling

Marine prokaryotes are important for the carbon cycle in the ocean. They produce around 20 billion tonnes of carbon every year. This large amount of carbon is balanced by phytoplankton, tiny ocean plants that use sunlight and carbon dioxide to create energy and absorb carbon. This process helps reduce the impact of climate change.

Effects of Climate Change on Prokaryotes

Climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise. As temperatures increase, prokaryotes might start to grow more quickly while larger marine organisms, like fish, could decrease in number. For every degree Celsius increase in temperature, prokaryote biomass could drop by 1.5%, while larger plankton and fish might decline by 3-5%. This change could lead to more carbon being produced by prokaryotes, reducing the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon emissions from human activities.

Impact on Marine Ecosystems and Human Food Supply

If prokaryotes become more dominant, they could take nutrients away from fish. This shift could threaten global fish populations, which are a primary protein source for around 3 billion people. The current estimates of fish population declines might not fully capture the extent of the problem.

Next Steps

It’s crucial to do more research to understand how prokaryotes are responding to climate change. While current models provide some insights, they don’t fully account for all the complexities of changing marine ecosystems. Scientists need to improve these models and develop strategies to protect ocean health and ensure food security.

About Prokaryotes

Basic Characteristics: Prokaryotes are simple, single-celled organisms without a nucleus. They include bacteria and archaea. They reproduce by splitting into two cells (binary fission) and have circular DNA.

Diverse Habitats: Some prokaryotes live in extreme environments (extremophiles), while others are essential for ecosystems and biotechnology.

Gene Transfer: Prokaryotes can exchange genes with each other through horizontal gene transfer, which helps them adapt quickly.

About Marine Ecosystems

Diversity: Marine ecosystems cover over 70% of Earth’s surface and include everything from tiny plankton to large whales.

Unique Environments: The Great Barrier Reef is a vast coral system with thousands of species. Hydrothermal vents support life that doesn’t rely on sunlight, while mangroves provide important nurseries for fish.

Ecosystem Services: Seagrasses help stabilize sediments and improve water quality, while coral reefs are crucial for marine biodiversity but are under threat from climate change.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs