Urea's Role in Deep Sea Microbial Communities
Author Information
Author(s): Nestor Arandia-Gorostidi, Alexander L Jaffe, Alma E Parada, Bennett J Kapili, Karen L Casciotti, Rebecca S R Salcedo, Chloé M J Baumas, Anne E Dekas
Primary Institution: Stanford University
Hypothesis
Urea is an important source of nitrogen and energy for microorganisms in the deep sea.
Conclusion
Urea is widely utilized by diverse microorganisms in the dark ocean, contributing significantly to deep-sea nitrification and supporting chemoautotrophy.
Supporting Evidence
- 25% of deep-sea cells assimilated urea-derived nitrogen.
- Cell-specific nitrogen incorporation rates from urea were higher than from ammonium.
- Urea concentrations and assimilation rates generally increased below the euphotic zone.
- UreC gene was found within 39% of deep-sea cells in the studied region.
- Urea-based nitrification was detected at all depths at one of the two sites analyzed.
Takeaway
Microbes in the deep ocean eat urea, which helps them grow and produce energy, just like how plants use sunlight.
Methodology
The study used metagenomics, nitrification rates, and single-cell stable-isotope-uptake measurements to assess urea utilization in the deep sea.
Limitations
Direct measurements of urea assimilation in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones were previously lacking.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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