Seasonal Synergy between Bacterial Osmoprotection and Algal Production in Sea ice.
Light and nutrients are considered classical determinants of algal production in sea ice, yet complex synergies between algae and other microbes in sea ice that may foster primary production are poorly known. We have identified potential links between compatible solutes (CS), compounds used by microbes to protect against osmotic shock in high-salinity fluids, and regenerated nitrogen. This project will test a seasonal-synergy hypothesis whereby CS precursor compounds (like choline) released by algae during fall freeze-up are taken up by bacteria, converted to CS for overwintering in ice b