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In Situ Single-Cell Raman Isotope Analysis Quantifies Cell-to-Cell Metabolic Heterogeneity within Individual Cable
Lu Zhang1, Ji Zhan1, Junhui Guo1
1Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou350002, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Cable bacteria exhibit significant metabolic and growth variations within individual filaments. This study quantifies cell-to-cell differences in metabolism and biomass synthesis in intact sediments using stable isotopes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Geobiology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Cable bacteria are electrogenic microorganisms crucial for redox transformations in aquatic sediments.
- Understanding their metabolic diversity and cell-specific growth dynamics is essential but challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cell-to-cell metabolic heterogeneity in cable bacteria filaments.
- To investigate growth dynamics and metabolic activity within different zones of the sediment.
Main Methods:
- Developed an in situ single-cell Raman microspectroscopy technique.
- Utilized dual stable isotope labeling (deuterium and 13C) in intact sediment microcosms.
- Quantified Ni-S Raman bands for unambiguous identification of cable bacteria.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant variation in anabolic growth among individual cells within cable bacteria filaments.
- Identified distinct metabolic states: active biomass synthesis versus maintenance metabolism.
- Observed heterogeneous growth patterns within the suboxic zone and minimal growth in the oxic zone.
Conclusions:
- Provided the first quantitative in situ evidence of metabolic heterogeneity in cable bacteria.
- Revealed cell-specific differences in metabolism and growth across oxic and suboxic zones.
- Highlighted the complex metabolic strategies employed by these important sediment microorganisms.
