The dynamics of the particulate organic carbon (POC) pool in the ocean are central to the marine carbon cycle. POC is the link between surface primary production, the deep ocean, and sediments. The rate at which POC is degraded in the dark ocean can impact atmospheric CO2 concentration. Therefore, a central focus of marine organic geochemistry studies is to improve our understanding of POC distribution, composition, and cycling. The last few decades have seen improvements in analytical techniques that have greatly expanded what we can measure, both in terms of organic compound structural diversity and isotopic composition, and complementary molecular omics studies. Here we provide a brief overview of the autochthonous, allochthonous, and anthropogenic components comprising POC in the ocean. In addition, we highlight key needs for future research that will enable us to more effectively connect diverse data sources and link the identity and structural diversity of POC to its sources and transformation processes.

中文翻译：

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微粒有机碳解构：海洋中微粒有机碳的分子和化学组成

海洋中颗粒有机碳 (POC) 池的动力学是海洋碳循环的核心。POC 是地表初级生产、深海和沉积物之间的纽带。POC 在黑暗海洋中的降解速度会影响大气 CO2 浓度。因此，海洋有机地球化学研究的一个中心焦点是提高我们对 POC 分布、组成和循环的理解。在过去的几十年里，分析技术的进步极大地扩展了我们可以测量的范围，无论是在有机化合物结构多样性和同位素组成方面，还是在补充分子组学研究方面。在这里，我们简要概述了海洋中构成 POC 的本土、异地和人为成分。此外，