Distinguishing the molecular diversity, nutrient content, and energetic potential of exometabolomes produced by macroalgae and reef-building corals

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110283119
• Publication Date: 2022-01-31T21:25:12Z
• Authors: Linda Wegley Kelly; Craig E. Nelson; Daniel Petras; Irina Koester; Zachary A. Quinlan; Milou G.I. Arts; Louis-Felix Nothias; Jacqueline Comstock; Brandie M. White; Ellen C. Hopmans; Fleur C. van Duyl; Craig A. Carlson; Lihini I. Aluwihare; Pieter C. Dorrestein; Andreas F. Haas
• Keywords: Biogeochemistry; Biogeochemical Cycle; Crustose

Significance Marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is one of the most complex and abundant chemical mixtures on earth, comprising thousands different molecules. The molecular structure these compounds factor structuring community microorganisms that metabolize them; in turn, this microbial metabolism mediates composition DOM. Decades coral reef research has established fundamental importance biogeochemistry ecosystem function. This study unveils DOM by identifying a myriad specific metabolite classes released into surrounding waters reef-building corals algae, further characterizing their energetic nutrient content providing foundation for linking benthic ecology with processes influence both livelihood demise reefs.