Decoding past microbial life and antibiotic resistance in İnonü Cave's archaeological soil
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Ancient soil samples reveal that antibiotic resistance genes have persisted for millennia, influenced by human activities and environmental factors. This study highlights the long-term impact on microbial communities and the enduring presence of resistance over historical periods.
Area Of Science
- Archaeology
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
Background
- Ancient soil microbial communities hold clues to historical human impact.
- Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have a long evolutionary history.
- Understanding past microbial ecology informs present-day challenges.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate ancient bacterial communities and ARGs in soil from İnönü Cave, Turkiye.
- To correlate historical human activities with microbial community structure and ARG presence.
- To explore the long-term persistence of ARGs in archaeological contexts.
Main Methods
- High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes for microbial community characterization.
- Metagenomic studies for identifying antibiotic-resistance genes.
- Analysis of soil samples from four distinct cultural levels (Chalcolithic to Early Iron Age).
Main Results
- Diverse bacterial phyla identified, including Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria.
- Detection of specific ARGs: tetA (Chalcolithic), intl1 (Early Bronze Age), and OXA58 (Late Bronze Age).
- Evidence of ARG persistence across historical periods, linked to human activities and environmental variables.
Conclusions
- Human activities have profoundly and enduringly impacted soil microbial communities and ARG prevalence.
- Ancient ARGs demonstrate resilience and adaptability, offering insights into microbial evolution.
- An interdisciplinary approach is essential for understanding ancient microbial ecology and resistance mechanisms.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
Related Concept Videos
Archaea, named after the Archaean eon, represent a unique domain of life, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, with remarkable traits. Their cellular and molecular features, ecological adaptability, and industrial relevance highlight their importance in understanding life processes and leveraging biotechnology.Cellular and Molecular CharacteristicsA defining feature of archaea is their unique membrane composition. Archaeal membranes contain ether-linked isoprenoid lipids, which confer...
Archaea, one of the three domains of life, exhibit remarkable diversity and adaptability, thriving in both extreme and moderate environments. Historically, most identified archaea have been classified into two major phyla: Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. However, recent molecular studies have expanded this classification to include three additional phyla: Thaumarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota, and Korarchaeota, each exhibiting unique characteristics and ecological roles.Thaumarchaeota: Mesophiles...
Overview
Researchers use antibiotic resistance genes to identify bacteria that possess a plasmid containing their gene of interest. Antibiotic resistance naturally occurs when a spontaneous DNA mutation creates changes in bacterial genes that eliminate antibiotic activity. Bacteria can share these new resistance genes with their offspring and other bacteria. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have created a public health crisis, as resistant and multi-resistant bacteria continue to develop.
Archaea, a domain of single-celled microorganisms, are classified into five major phyla based on genetic and biochemical characteristics: Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota. Among these, the phylum Euryarchaeota is notable for its remarkable diversity in morphology, metabolism, and ecological adaptations.Morphological and Metabolic DiversityMembers of Euryarchaeota exhibit a variety of cellular shapes, including rods and cocci. Their metabolic pathways...
Crenarchaeota, a prominent phylum of Archaea, is remarkable for its ability to thrive in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and acidity. These microorganisms inhabit sulfuric hot springs, volcanic systems, and submarine hydrothermal vents, where temperatures often exceed 100°C. The unique adaptations of Crenarchaeota not only allow survival under such extreme conditions but also provide insights into the mechanisms of life in primordial Earth-like...
Hyperthermophilic archaea are a group of extremophiles thriving at temperatures above 80°C, often in hydrothermal vents and volcanic soils where conditions surpass the boiling point of water. At such temperatures, proteins, membranes, and DNA in most organisms degrade, but hyperthermophiles have evolved remarkable adaptations to maintain stability and function.Unique Cellular FeaturesHyperthermophilic membranes are composed of a monolayer of biphytanyl tetraether lipids, which resist...