Scientific Perspective

Microbes drive the function of the Earth system by catalyzing and connecting biogeochemical cycles, maintaining the balance of nature.

In the ocean, microbes constantly face multiple challenges. The process of "cellular decision-making" helps them to adapt.

The choices that microbes can make are constrained by biochemical, biophysical, and biogeochemical trade offs. Some of these are universal.

Microbial choices are revealed by their proteins, which are literal, tiny molecular machines that actuate the activity and function of life.

Cellular decision-making in marine microbes relates, directly and indirectly, to processes at larger scales, such as elemental cycling in an ocean basin.

Microbes are remarkable, and learning more about their incredible lives can inspire us to be better stewards of the ocean and of each other.