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Viable cyanobacteria in the deep continental subsurface.

Fernando Puente-Sánchez1, Alejandro Arce-Rodríguez2,3, Monike Oggerin4

  • 1Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (INTA-CSIC), 28850 Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain; fpuente@cnb.csic.es.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
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Cyanobacteria, commonly found in sunlit areas, have been discovered thriving in deep subsurface rocks. This finding reveals a new ecological niche for these microorganisms, expanding our understanding of Earth's biosphere and potential extraterrestrial life.

Keywords:
astrobiologydeep/dark biosphereendolithic cyanobacteriaextreme environmentsmetagenomics

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Geobiology
  • Astrobiology

Background:

  • Cyanobacteria are known for their adaptability to diverse environments, typically requiring sunlight for energy.
  • Previous understanding limited their ecological range to environments with light exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and ecological role of cyanobacteria in deep subsurface rock environments.
  • To explore the metabolic potential of cyanobacteria in light-limited conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular analysis of deep subsurface rock samples.
  • Microscopic examination of microbial communities.
  • Metagenomic sequencing to determine metabolic pathways.

Main Results:

  • Cyanobacteria were found to be the predominant microorganisms in deep subsurface rock samples from the Iberian Pyrite Belt.
  • Metagenomic data indicated a potential for hydrogen-based lithoautotrophic metabolism in these cyanobacteria.
  • This suggests cyanobacteria can function as primary producers in deep-Earth ecosystems.

Conclusions:

  • Cyanobacteria occupy a previously unrecognized ecological niche in deep subsurface rock environments.
  • This discovery has implications for understanding Earth's deep biosphere and the potential for life on other planets.
  • It opens new avenues for research into the origin, evolution, and extraterrestrial presence of cyanobacteria.