Stoichiometric modelling of assimilatory and dissimilatory biomass utilisation in a microbial community.

ABSTRACT: Assimilatory and dissimilatory utilisation of autotroph biomass by heterotrophs is a fundamental mechanism for the transfer of nutrients and energy across trophic levels. Metagenome data from a tractable, thermoacidophilic microbial community in Yellowstone National Park was used to build an in silico model to study heterotrophic utilisation of autotroph biomass using elementary flux mode analysis and flux balance analysis. Assimilatory and dissimilatory biomass utilisation was investigated using 29 forms of biomass-derived dissolved organic carbon (DOC) including individual monomer pools, individual macromolecular pools and aggregate biomass. The simulations identified ecologically competitive strategies for utilizing DOC under conditions of varying electron donor, electron acceptor or en

SUBMITTER: Hunt KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5629010 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature