Dinoflagellates contribute to primary and secondary production across biogeochemical gradients of the central Pacific Ocean

In this study we explored the metabolism of unicellular eukaryotic organisms (protists) across a 4,600 km meridional transect in the central Pacific Ocean. The region contains a natural biogeochemical gradient spanning from low nitrogen, oligotrophic waters to a productive equatorial upwelling system. We used a combined geochemical and 'omic approach to characterize the metabolic strategies these organisms rely upon to adapt to changes in their chemical environment. Samples were collected using underwater pumps, capable of filtering hundreds of liters of seawater, from seven stations and 3-13 different depths spanning 20-1,900 m in the water column.