Unique H₂-utilizing lithotrophy in serpentinite-hosted systems.

ABSTRACT: Serpentinization of ultramafic rocks provides molecular hydrogen (H₂) that can support lithotrophic metabolism of microorganisms, but also poses extremely challenging conditions, including hyperalkalinity and limited electron acceptor availability. Investigation of two serpentinization-active systems reveals that conventional H₂-/CO₂-dependent homoacetogenesis is thermodynamically unfavorable in situ due to picomolar CO₂ levels. Through metagenomics and thermodynamics, we discover unique taxa capable of metabolism adapted to the habitat. This included a novel deep-branching phylum, "Ca. Lithacetigenota", that exclusively inhabits serpentinite-hosted systems and harbors genes encoding alternative modes of H₂-utilizing lithotrophy. Rathe

SUBMITTER: Nobu MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9751293 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature