Phytoplankton are the major contributors to DMSP production in the photic zone, whereas in aphotic zones, where no sunlight penetrates, heterotrophic bacteria likely contribute significantly to DMSP production. DMSP produced in the surface waters can sink to lower levels. Sedimentary DMSP levels are two to three orders of magnitude higher, per equivalent mass, than the seawater, and are also most likely produced by bacteria. The relative abundance of DMSP catabolic genes was lowest in the deepest water and sediment samples, and DMSP can play a role in protecting bacteria against increased hydrostatic pressure in such deep waters and sediment. DMSP and DMS produced in the surface water is labeled in blue. Deep-ocean DMSP and DMS is in yellow and sedimentary DMSP is labeled in brown.

Values in this figure represent DMSP or DMS concentration ranges as determined by...

• Zheng, Y., Wang, J., Zhou, S. et al. (2020) Bacteria are important dimethylsulfoniopropionate producers in marine aphotic and high-pressure environments. Nat Commun 11, 4658. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-18434-4