Scientists from the University of Yale and the Nova School and Technology School in Lisbon (Portugal) have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Geobacter Sulfurreducens, uncovering key proteins that enable these microorganisms to thrive in the harsh underground environment. The research, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, sheds light on the long-standing mystery of how these microbes create electric connections in conditions unsuitable for most life forms.
The focal point of this discovery is the nano pipelines that the bacteria utilize as channels for electron transmission. These minute “hairs” extend from the microbe’s surface, connecting with surrounding minerals and other microbes, forming a complex biological network crucial for subsurface life support. The key to initiating and sustaining the function of these nano pipelines was found in a family of proteins known as cytochromes, acting as “chargers” to facilitate electron transmission resulting from the bacteria’s metabolic processes.
This breakthrough not only enhances our understanding of microbial mechanisms in extreme environments but also opens up new possibilities for biomaterial development and advancements in bioenergy. Furthermore, it is significant in combating climate change as these microorganisms play a vital role in Earth’s processes, most notably in methane emissions. Microbial activity accounts for absorbing 80% of oceanic methane emissions, a substantial contributor to global warming from the ocean floor, while also mitigating 50% of methane emissions on land. Understanding these metabolic processes can aid in reducing methane emissions, making this discovery not only a scientific achievement but also a crucial step towards planetary environmental preservation.