Identification of the algal dimethyl sulfide–releasing enzyme: A missing link in the marine sulfur cycle

Abstract

Sourcing the smell of the seaside Marine phytoplankton plays a critical role in the global sulfur cycle. Algae, for instance, are the main source of the aromatic compound dimethylsulfide (DMS) released from the oceans into the atmosphere. Alcolombri et al. identified the lyase enzyme responsible for DMS production in the bloom-forming marine phytoplankton Emiliania huxleyi (see the Perspective by Johnston). The presence of this gene in other globally distributed phytoplankton and corals suggests that it may serve as a reliable indicator of DMS production across diverse phyla. Because DMS gets oxidized to sulfur aerosols, which act as cloud condensation nuclei, this enzyme is a key global biogeochemical catalyst. Science , this issue p. 1466 ; see also p. 1430