Niche Differentiation of Sulfate- and Iron-Dependent Anaerobic Methane Oxidation and Methylotrophic Methanogenesis in Deep Sea Methane Seeps.

ABSTRACT: Methane seeps are widespread seafloor ecosystems shaped by complex physicochemical-biological interactions over geological timescales, and seep microbiomes play a vital role in global biogeochemical cycling of key elements on Earth. However, the mechanisms underlying the coexistence of methane-cycling microbial communities remain largely elusive. Here, high-resolution sediment incubation experiments revealed a cryptic methane cycle in the South China Sea (SCS) methane seep ecosystem, showing the coexistence of sulfate (SO₄ ^2-)- or iron (Fe)-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and methylotrophic methanogenesis. This previously unrecognized methane cycling is not discernible from geochemical profiles due to high net methane consumption. High-throughput sequen

SUBMITTER: Li H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7360803 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature