The ubiquity and many roles of exopolymers (EPS) in aquatic systems

• Autores: R.S. Wotton
• Localización: Scientia Marina, ISSN 0214-8358, Vol. 68, Nº. Extra 1, 2004, págs. 13-21
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Exopolymers (EPS) are produced by unicellular and multicellular organisms. They consist largely of polysaccharides that hydrate rapidly on contact with water and link to form gels. EPS have many uses: in attachment; in locomotion on substrata; as a protection against predators, pathogens and changes in physico-chemical conditions; as a means of overcoming the threat of desiccation; in preventing abrasion; and in feeding. When free of organisms, some EPS form loosely associated polymer gels that are important in the development of organic matter aggregates. These aggregates, together with mucus-bound faecal pellets, play an essential role in nutrient cycling, and in the metabolism of ecosystems.