[Microorganisms]. Over the course of Martian history, the presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide and potential subsurface molecular hydrogen (H2), in addition to potential surface and subsurface liquid water, suggests that […]
methanogen
![The multiple roles of methanogens in the modern-day carbon cycle. Processes shown in red contribute to greenhouse gas production. Part of the methane is removed through microbial methane oxidation (A)MO and photochemical reactions, where e is a generic electron donor (e.g., arsenate or sulfate) that is reduced to eH. Processes depicted in green sequester CO2, storing it long-term as carbonates. The size of the arrows relates to the relative biogeochemical importance of the process. The metabolic activity of methanogens may locally alter pH and produce copious amounts of EPS (seen as a veil surrounding the cells in the microphotograph (yellow arrow)). These EPS bind cations (e.g., Ca, Mg) and act as nucleation site, while elevated pH enhances the carbonate precipitation in microbial mats [196]. This contribution by methanogens may ultimately produce microbialites [183] -- preprints.org](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Methanogens-Through-Geological.png?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Methanogens Through Geological Time And Space: Impact On Planetary Evolution and Significance For Life Beyond Earth
Methanogens, also known as methanogenic archaea, are among the most ancient and widespread microorganisms, despite their particular requirements for growth. These oxygen-sensitive microorganisms have impacted climate and biogeochemical cycles throughout […]
 coincide. The faint white dots show the spatial distribution of pitted cones structures (modified from Mills et al., 2024). The black dots show the spatial distribution of candidate and confirmed SRLs according to Mcewen et al., (2021); Stilmann et al., (2016), and Oijha et al., (2014). The red dot shows the McLaughlin Crater with exposed carbonate rocks and signs of groundwater activity (Michalski et al., 2013). Gray in the background shows the Mars topography based on MOLA -- astro-ph.E](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Potential-habitability-of-present-day-Mars.png?resize=1200%2C718&ssl=1)
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mercury, Microbiology & Virology, Status Report
Potential Habitability of Present-day Mars Subsurface for Terrestrial-like Methanogens
The intense debate about the presence of methane in the Martian atmosphere has stimulated the study of methanogens adapted to terrestrial habitats that mimic Martian environments.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Joint Genome Institute (JGI)-Enabled Research Demonstrates The Existence Of New Methane Makers
Atmospheric levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, regulate Earth’s climate. Most methane is produced in environments without oxygen through a process called methanogenesis. Methanogenic microorganisms therefore play a critical […]
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Status Report
Non-thermodynamic Factors Affect Competition Between Thermophilic Chemolithoautotrophs From Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vents
Various environmental factors, including H2 availability, metabolic tradeoffs, optimal growth temperature, stochasticity, and hydrology, were examined to determine if they affect microbial competition between three autotrophic thermophiles.
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Convergence and Horizontal Gene Transfer Drive the Evolution of Anaerobic Methanotrophy in Archaea
Despite their large environmental impact and multiple independent emergences, the processes leading to the evolution of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) remain unclear.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Interstellar, Microbiology & Virology, Panspermia, Press Release
Possibilities For Methanogenic And Acetogenic Life In A Molecular Cloud
There are life forms in space and the ancestor of Earth life came from interstellar space according to models like panspermia.
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release
Capturing CO2 With Electricity: A Microbial Enzyme Inspires Electrochemistry
Seeking microorganisms that efficiently capture the greenhouse gas CO2