Video Experimental Relacionado

Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Simulation of Early Earth Hydrothermal Chimneys in a Thermal Gradient Environment

Simulation of Early Earth Hydrothermal Chimneys in a Thermal Gradient Environment

Published on: February 27, 2021

Microorganismos que codifican la deshidrogenasa de monóxido de carbono en análogos astrobiológicos volcánicos: un

Vito Latorre¹, Xabier Vázquez-Campos², Belinda Ferrari²

¹School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, UK.

FEMS microbiology ecology

|February 25, 2026

Abstract:

Volcanic environments provide analogues for studying the origin of life and its persistence under extreme conditions on early Earth and other planetary bodies. Pioneering microbes that oxidise inorganic gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), provide energy for survival and initiate primary succession. Similar geological and atmospheric conditions shaped by volcanism, meteoritic impacts, and tidal heating have existed, or still exist, on Mars, Venus, and icy moons, where CO may serve as a metabolic substrate. This review explores the evolutionary significance of CO dehydrogenase (CODH), an enzyme responsible for the oxidation of CO to carbon dioxide, thereby linking geochemical energy fluxes to the emergence of biological carbon. Genomic evidence from eight globally distributed volcanic sites confirms the presence of genes encoding CODH. Genes encoding aerobic CO oxidation (coxL) were consistently abundant and conserved, whereas genes encoding anaerobic oxidation (cdh- and coo-related genes) showed site-specific dominance and variability, reflecting differences in microbial community composition and environmental conditions. At Poás Volcano, several taxa, particularly members of Desulfobacterota, exhibited genetic versatility across nine gene clusters, highlighting their adaptive capacity. These findings demonstrate how trace gas metabolisms can support microbial survival in volcanic soils, providing insight into potential habitability on other planetary bodies.

Palabras clave:

deshidrogenasa de CO monóxido de carbono exoplanetas energía de mantenimiento microbios del suelo depósitos volcánicos

Más Videos Relacionados

Using Flexible Gold-Titanium Reaction Cells to Simulate Pressure-Dependent Microbial Activity in the Context of Subsurface Biomining

Using Flexible Gold-Titanium Reaction Cells to Simulate Pressure-Dependent Microbial Activity in the Context of Subsurface Biomining

Published on: October 5, 2019

Anaerobic Protein Purification and Kinetic Analysis via Oxygen Electrode for Studying DesB Dioxygenase Activity and Inhibition

Anaerobic Protein Purification and Kinetic Analysis via Oxygen Electrode for Studying DesB Dioxygenase Activity and Inhibition

Published on: October 3, 2018

Videos de Conceptos Relacionados

Carbon-dioxide Fixation

Carbon-dioxide Fixation

Carbon dioxide fixation in prokaryotes enables the assimilation of inorganic carbon into organic molecules, supporting biosynthetic pathways, sustaining ecosystems, and contributing to the global carbon cycle. It also has industrial applications in carbon capture and bioproduct synthesis. Autotrophic organisms rely on this process to utilize CO₂ as a carbon source in diverse environments.The Calvin CycleThe Calvin cycle is the most widespread carbon fixation mechanism, primarily used by...

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation.

Microbial Nutrition

Microbial Nutrition

Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...

Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood

Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood

Carbon dioxide (CO2) transport in the blood is critical to human physiology. On average, our body cells produce around 200 mL of CO2 per minute, precisely the quantity expelled by the lungs. This process involves the transportation of CO2 from the tissue cells to the lungs in three primary forms.
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...

Microbial Fermentation

Microbial Fermentation

Fermentation is a crucial anaerobic metabolic process that enables microbes to derive energy from sugar without relying on oxygen or an electron transport chain. This process is fundamental to various biological and industrial applications and is classified based on the metabolic products generated.Role of Pyruvate in FermentationPyruvate and its derivatives serve as key electron acceptors in fermentative pathways. The oxidation of NADH to regenerate NAD+ is essential for the continuation of...

Diversity of Archaea III

Diversity of Archaea III

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...