New Bacteria from Saline Lake Can Fix Carbon Using a Unique Method
Author Information
Author(s): Gao Lei, Liu Lan, Lv Ai-Ping, Fu Lin, Lian Zheng-Han, Nunoura Takuro, Hedlund Brian P, Xu Qing-Yu, Wu Dildar, Yang Jian, Ali Mukhtiar, Li Meng-Meng, Liu Yong-Hong, Antunes André, Jiang Hong-Chen, Cheng Lei, Jiao Jian-Yu, Li Wen-Jun, Fang Bao-Zhu
Primary Institution: Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
Can Acidimicrobiia utilize the reversed oxidative TCA cycle for carbon fixation?
Conclusion
The study found that a newly isolated strain of Acidimicrobiia can fix carbon using the reversed oxidative TCA cycle instead of the Calvin cycle.
Supporting Evidence
- The new strain, Salinilacustristhrix flava EGI L10123T, was isolated from a saline lake.
- Genomic analysis showed the absence of key genes for the Calvin cycle, suggesting an alternative carbon fixation pathway.
- Transcriptomic data indicated high expression of genes associated with the reversed oxidative TCA cycle.
- Stable isotope probing confirmed the involvement of the roTCA in carbon fixation.
Takeaway
Scientists discovered a new type of bacteria that can turn carbon dioxide into food using a special method, even though they don't have the usual tools that most plants use.
Methodology
The researchers isolated a new strain from saline lake sediments and analyzed its genome, transcriptome, and enzymatic activity to confirm its carbon fixation capabilities.
Limitations
Further research is needed to confirm if these characteristics are widespread across the Acidimicrobiia clade.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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