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DNA Stable-Isotope Probing DNA-SIP
Published on: August 2, 2010
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Characterization and DNA Stable-Isotope Probing of Methanotrophic Bioaerosols
Kevin P Dillon1, Valdis Krumins1, Aishwarya Deshpande2
1Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
Microbiology Spectrum
|November 21, 2022
Summary
Airborne bacteria, specifically methanotrophs, can potentially grow on methane in the atmosphere. This study shows evidence of DNA synthesis, indicating growth outside of water droplets, though humidity is a limiting factor.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric microbiology
- Environmental science
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Bacterial growth and activity are well-studied in most environments, but limited research exists on airborne bacteria outside of water droplets.
- Suspended bacteria in the atmosphere may have sufficient residence time to grow on volatile compounds like methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for aerosolized methanotrophic bacteria to grow on methane in an airborne state.
- To determine if airborne bacteria can synthesize new DNA, indicating growth in the atmosphere.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rotating gas-phase bioreactors to culture aerosolized methanotrophic bacteria.
- Amended bioreactors with stable isotopes of methane (13CH4 or 12CH4) to trace metabolic activity.
- Analyzed DNA for 13C incorporation to detect new DNA synthesis.
Main Results:
- Three out of seven experiments showed 13C incorporation into bacterial DNA, confirming growth in the airborne state.
- Genera *Methylocystis* and *Methylocaldum* were identified in 13C-DNA fractions, indicating active DNA synthesis.
- Physical half-life of airborne bacterium-sized particles was determined to be 3 days.
Conclusions:
- Methanotrophic bacteria can potentially grow in the air outside of water droplets under specific conditions.
- Humidity appears to be a significant limitation for bacterial growth in the atmosphere.
- Low biomass levels can hinder the detection of airborne bacterial growth and DNA synthesis.
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