NOVEL MICROBIAL CHEMOLITHOTROPHY IN HOT, ACIDIC BIOTOPES
Abstract
Most microorganisms utilize organic carbon in its various forms (carbohydrate, protein, lipid) as primary sources of food and energy. However, certain extremophilic microorganisms, perhaps as a nod to their primordial origins, have another way. They utilize inorganic solid materials in the absence of light to gain energy for cell biosynthesis and maintenance, an unusual biological life style, referred to as chemolithotrophy. This physiological mode is common among microorganisms known as extremely thermoacidophilic archaea (Topt > 70°C, pHopt < 3.5). These microorganisms live in hot acid and utilize redox-active metals in minerals and elemental sulfur for energy to drive cellular processes. The mechanisms underlying the acquisition of electrons from metals and sulfur have important biological and biotechnological implications. One important aspect of this project is the establishment of non-model, extremophilic microorganisms as novel platforms for biology and biotechnology. Most applications to date center on well-studied, heterotrophic microbes (e.g., Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), even though there are many interesting (and technologically promising) biological phenomena that remain unstudied, as is the case with extremophiles. Here, we focus on fundamental aspects of chemolithotrophy, with an eye towards insights that have scientific and biotechnological significance. By understanding the intrinsic mechanisms driving extremophily, we will expand the range of conditions under which biological systems and molecules can be exploited for biotechnological purposes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010216
Entities
People
- Robert M. Kelly
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- North Carolina State University
- United States Air Force