The key role of mixotrophy in Antarctic carbon and sulphur cycles

Sea ice is retreating rapidly due to climate change, with far-stretching consequences for its inhabitants. Sea ice influences climate through impacts on carbon sequestration and production of the cloud-forming gas dimethylsulphide (DMS). The production of DMS helps microalgae to survive the cold polar winter, because the precursor of DMS acts as anti-freeze. In addition, polar microalgae may survive the darkness by feeding on small organic matter like bacteria. We want to understand these survival mechanisms, in order to predict the changes in polar ecosystems and the consequences for climate regulation, with disappearing sea ice.