MOLECULAR APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF THE OCEAN, pp 29-89

Molecular approches to microbial biomass estimates in the sea

David M. Karl and Fred C. Dobbs

When confronted with a large number of molecular approaches to estimate microbial biomass, one has to exercise judgment based on the nature of the sample materials, the required precision and accuracy, as well as other logistical and financial considerations. Many of these molecular techniques, though straightforward, require a certain level of experience and care. However, with a modest fiscal investment and practice, microbial biomass estimation can become a routine tool in marine microbial ecology. Application of these methods, either singly or as redundant analyses, provides useful data that can help unravel mysteries of microbial life in the sea and contribute to our expanding knowledge of oceanic biogeochemical processes.