Blog Post Image: Ancient gene

RNRs are differentiated by their oxygen requirements. Class I RNRs require oxygen, whereas Class II are oxygen independent. The prevalence of Class I and Class II RNRs in the virioplankton followed a latitudinal gradient in oxygen concentration. Class I was more common in the oxygen rich environment of the Gulf of Maine, whereas, Class II was more common in the oxygen poor environment of the Dry Tortugas. Photos and images by Lindsay Yeager