Phaeocystis - a key organism in dimethylsulfoniopropionate production; ecological and physiological functions of DMSP

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an organic sulfur compound with an important ecological and physiological functions. DMSP is a major precursor for dimethylsulfid (DMS). DMSP is produced by variety of halophytic plants and phytoplankton for the purposes of osmotic regulation, antioxidation and protection from predators. It is especially widespread among the marine phytoplankton and it is ubiquitous in the euphotic zone. DMS and DMSP are also involved in flux of carbon and sulfur. Marine emissions of DMS have a particularly important role as precursors of atmospheric sulfur-containing aerosols that influence the Earth's climate system through direct backscatter of solar radiation and through cloud formation. DMSP is produced mainly by phytoplankton, because this group of organism is very large, I'll focus on Phaeocystis. Phaeocystis is a genus of marine phytoplankton with a worldwide distribution. It has a polymorphic life cycle alternating free-living cells and colonies but develops massive blooms under the colony form. Among the 10 species, only 3 (P. pouchetii, P. antarctica, P. globosa) have been reported as blooming species. DMSP is produced intracellulary and it is released as DMS. DMS concentration is high during the growth of the cells, predation or senescence. The production of DMSP is..