Insights into the metabolism of the high temperature microbi
Details of Research
TitleInsights into the metabolism of the high temperature microbial community of Tramway Ridge, Mount Erebus, AntarcticaAbstractMount Erebus is the most active volcano on the Antarctic continent, and it has the most geographically and physically isolated geothermal soil on Earth. Preliminary genetic analysis of the microbial community present in the 65 degrees C subsurface soil of Tramway Ridge, on Mount Erebus, revealed a unique high temperature ecosystem, with the dominant members possessing little genetic similarity to known bacteria. This study investigated the metabolism and physiology of this intriguing ecosystem using physical-chemical soil surveying, community-based phenotypic arrays, nutritional enrichment experiments and pyrosequencing. Results have provided new insights into the metabolic requirements and putative roles of specific organisms, as well as the significance of specific carbon and nitrogen sources. In enrichment experiments bicarbonate slowed down an otherwise dramatic shift in community structure. This suggests that bicarbonate maintains the native community in vitro by supplying an essential inorganic compound that is utilized for slow, autotrophic growth. This approach shows potential as a model for future investigations of cultivation resistant thermophilic communities. Copyright 2016 Antarctic Science Ltd.AcknowledgementsFinancial support was provided by grant UOW0802 from the New Zealand Marsden Fund to SCC and IRM, and a CRE award from the National Geographic Society to SCC. Antarctic logistic support for Event K-023 was provided by Antarctica New Zealand. The authors would also like to thank the reviewers in helping to improve the manuscript.Funding DetailsNational Geographic Society
TypeArticleCitationVickers, C., Herbold, C., Cary, S. and McDonald, I. (2016) Insights into the metabolism of the high temperature microbial community of Tramway Ridge, Mount Erebus, Antarctica. Antarctic Science, 28(4): 241-249 doi:10.1017/S095410201500067X IdentifierVickers2016Relevancerank5
McDonald, I., Insights into the metabolism of the high temperature microbi, [Vickers2016]. Antarctica NZ, accessed 24/01/2025, https://adam.antarcticanz.govt.nz/nodes/view/63805, 10.1017/S095410201500067X
