Energetic Basis of Microbial Growth and Persistence in Terrestrial Oligotrophic Ecosystems

This study examines strategies that support microbial life in environments with the harshest conditions and little nutrients. In environments such as Antarctic desert, bacteria rely on continually scavenging trace amount of hydrogen from the air to flourish. Analogous to a mini hydrogen powered car, they consume atmospheric hydrogen to power carbon fixation for growth and produce water to maintain hydration. Through living on air, these microbes substitute the role of plants as primary producers. This finding refines the understanding of minimal requirements for life on Earth. Correspondingly, the discovery of these surprising lifestyles informs the search for extra-terrestrial life.