mucus promote the carbon metabolic potency of coral surrounding microorganisms

We hypothesis that coral mucus has a stimulating effect on the microorganisms in surrounding environment, regulating carbon metabolism and ultimately maintaining the high productivity of coral reef ecosystems. In order to test it, firstly, the natural samples were collected to explore distinctions in microbial communities and their functions by metagenomic method. The results showed that the biodiversity, communities, network and functions in mucus, seawater and sediment environments were significantly different; and some specific taxa and function only appeared in mucus.