z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Greigite nanocrystals produced by hyperthermophilic archaea of Thermococcales order
Author(s) -
Aurore Gorlas,
Pierre Jacquemot,
JeanMichel Guigner,
Sukhvinder Gill,
Patrick Forterre,
François Guyot
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0201549
Subject(s) - hydrothermal vent , biology , archaea , greigite , hydrothermal circulation , biomineralization , thermophile , extracellular , deep sea , extracellular polymeric substance , bacteria , biophysics , biochemistry , biofilm , astrobiology , genetics , paleontology , fishery , magnetite
Interactions between hyperthermophilic archaea and minerals occur in hydrothermal deep-sea vents, one of the most extreme environments for life on Earth. These interactions occur in the internal pores and at surfaces of active hydrothermal chimneys. In this study, we show that, at 85°C, Thermococcales , the predominant hyperthermophilic microorganisms inhabiting hot parts of hydrothermal deep-sea vents, produce greigite nanocrystals (Fe 3 S 4 ) on extracellular polymeric substances, and that an amorphous iron phosphate acts as a precursor phase. Greigite, although a minor component of chimneys, is a recognized catalyst for CO 2 reduction thus implying that Thermococcales may influence the balance of CO 2 in hydrothermal ecosystems. We propose that observation of greigite nanocrystals on extracellular polymeric substances could provide a signature of hyperthermophilic life in hydrothermal deep-sea vents.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here