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Viruses of eukaryotic algae have become an important research focus due to their role(s) in nutrient cycling and top-down control of algal blooms. Omics-based studies have identified a boon of genomic and transcriptional potential among theNucleocytoviricota, a phylum of large dsDNA viruses which have been shown to infect algal and non-algal eukaryotes. However, little is still understood regarding the infection cycle of these viruses, particularly in how they take over a metabolically active host and convert it into a virocell state. Of particular interest are the roles light and the diel cycle in virocell development. Yet despite such a large proportion ofNucleocytoviricotainfecting phototrophs, little work has been done to tie infection dynamics to the presence, and absence, of light. Here, we examine the role of the diel cycle on the physiological and transcriptional state of the pelagophyteAureococcus anophagefferenswhile undergoing infection byKratosvirus quantuckensestrain AaV. Our observations demonstrate how infection by the virus interrupts the diel growth and division of this cell strain, and that infection further complicates the system by enhancing export of cell biomass. 

ABSTRACT Here, we report the draft genome ofAureococcus anophagefferensstrain CCMP1851, which is susceptible to the virusKratosvirus quantuckense. CCMP1851 complements an available genome for a virus-resistant strain (CCMP1850) isolated from the same bloom. Future studies can now use this genome to examine genetic hints of virus resistance and susceptibility. 

ABSTRACT Here, we report on the raw and coassembled metatranscriptomes of 39 Lake Erie surface (1.0 m) water samples collected over a 2-day diel period encompassing episodic weather and bloom events. Preliminary taxonomic annotations and read mappings revealed thatMicrocystisspp. accounted for up to ~47% of the transcriptionally active community. 

Since the discovery of the first “giant virus,” particular attention has been paid toward isolating and culturing these large DNA viruses throughAcanthamoebaspp. bait systems. While this method has allowed for the discovery of plenty novel viruses in theNucleocytoviricota, environmental -omics-based analyses have shown that there is a wealth of diversity among this phylum, particularly in marine datasets. The prevalence of these viruses in metatranscriptomes points toward their ecological importance in nutrient turnover in our oceans and as such, in depth study into non-amoebalNucleocytoviricotashould be considered a focal point in viral ecology. In this review, we report onKratosvirus quantuckense(née Aureococcus anophagefferens Virus), an algae-infecting virus of theImitervirales. Current systems for study in theNucleocytoviricotadiffer significantly from this virus and its relatives, and a litany of trade-offs within physiology, coding potential, and ecology compared to these other viruses reveal the importance ofK. quantuckense. Herein, we review the research that has been performed on this virus as well as its potential as a model system for algal-virus interactions. 

Abstract This paper presents a facile synthesis of Cu twin cubes, with a yield ofca. 70%, from seeds based on Pd hexagonal nanoplates. The lattice mismatch, capping agent, and number of planar defects in the seeds all play important roles in directing the shape evolution of Cu on the Pd seeds. Initially, the Cu atoms are only deposited on one of the two basal planes of a Pd nanoplate in the form of small islands. As the growth continues, Cu {100} facets developed in the presence of hexadecylamine and Cl⁻, two capping agents with selectivity towards the Cu(100) surface. When switched to Pd triangular nanoplates, Cu right bipyramids instead of cubes are obtained and only three {100} facets are created from each side of the seed. Atomic‐resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis indicates that the correspondence between the type of the seed and the shape of the final product can be attributed to the number of planar defects along the vertical direction of the plate‐like seed, with two and one twin planes corresponding to cube and right bipyramid, respectively. By adjusting the experimental condition, this synthetic method can also be extended to Pd−Ag and other bimetallic systems.