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Bay SK, Waite DW, Dong X, Gillor O, Chown SL, Hugenholtz P, Greening C. Chemosynthetic and photosynthetic bacteria contribute differentially to primary production across a steep desert aridity gradient. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:3339-3356. [PMID: 34035443 PMCID: PMC8528921 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Desert soils harbour diverse communities of aerobic bacteria despite lacking substantial organic carbon inputs from vegetation. A major question is therefore how these communities maintain their biodiversity and biomass in these resource-limiting ecosystems. Here, we investigated desert topsoils and biological soil crusts collected along an aridity gradient traversing four climatic regions (sub-humid, semi-arid, arid, and hyper-arid). Metagenomic analysis indicated these communities vary in their capacity to use sunlight, organic compounds, and inorganic compounds as energy sources. Thermoleophilia, Actinobacteria, and Acidimicrobiia were the most abundant and prevalent bacterial classes across the aridity gradient in both topsoils and biocrusts. Contrary to the classical view that these taxa are obligate organoheterotrophs, genome-resolved analysis suggested they are metabolically flexible, with the capacity to also use atmospheric H2 to support aerobic respiration and often carbon fixation. In contrast, Cyanobacteria were patchily distributed and only abundant in certain biocrusts. Activity measurements profiled how aerobic H2 oxidation, chemosynthetic CO2 fixation, and photosynthesis varied with aridity. Cell-specific rates of atmospheric H2 consumption increased 143-fold along the aridity gradient, correlating with increased abundance of high-affinity hydrogenases. Photosynthetic and chemosynthetic primary production co-occurred throughout the gradient, with photosynthesis dominant in biocrusts and chemosynthesis dominant in arid and hyper-arid soils. Altogether, these findings suggest that the major bacterial lineages inhabiting hot deserts use different strategies for energy and carbon acquisition depending on resource availability. Moreover, they highlight the previously overlooked roles of Actinobacteriota as abundant primary producers and trace gases as critical energy sources supporting productivity and resilience of desert ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean K Bay
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - David W Waite
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xiyang Dong
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Osnat Gillor
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Sde Boker, Israel
| | - Steven L Chown
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip Hugenholtz
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Chris Greening
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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2
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Tyler NA, Ziolkowski LA. Endolithic Microbial Carbon Cycling in East Antarctica. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:165-176. [PMID: 33112645 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Antarctica is an ideal analogue for studying the limits of life. Despite severe temperature fluctuations and desiccating conditions, life is commonly found colonizing the structural cavities within Antarctic rocks (i.e., endoliths). Previous studies have speculated that the slow cycling of endoliths in the McMurdo Dry Valleys may be the limit of life on Earth. However, very little is known about the in situ activities of these communities-especially in regions outside the McMurdo Dry Valleys where endoliths are thought to be cycling carbon very slowly (e.g., hundreds of years). Here, we show that East Antarctic endoliths found on nunataks are cycling carbon quickly and are therefore quite active. Through radiocarbon (14C) analyses of the viable cell membrane (as phospholipid-derived fatty acids [PLFA]), we found that the Δ14C composition of these microbial communities was on average predominantly modern, with a few samples signaling older carbon in the system. These findings indicate that endoliths inhabiting inland Antarctic nunataks are cycling carbon on decadal timescales, which support the notion that endoliths in Antarctica are cycling carbon quickly. This work provides new insights into the potential variability of Antarctic endolith activities and demonstrates that, despite the climatic extremes that exist farther inland on the most inhospitable continent on Earth, indigenous life can thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Tyler
- Present address: Water & Environmental Research Center, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Lori A Ziolkowski
- School of Earth, Ocean & Environment, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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3
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Popović S, Nikolić N, Predojević D, Jakovljević O, Rađa T, Anđelković A, Subakov-Simić G. Endolithic phototrophs: Examples from cave-like environments. KRAGUJEVAC JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/kgjsci2143123p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoliths are more frequently found in extremely harsh environments, but they can inhabit mesic climate and subterranean habitats as well. Whether they are adapted to life inside rocks or do they seek refuge in this way, remains largely unknown for caves and pits. Consequently, subterranean habitats in limestone areas, were explored: three caves in Serbia (Cerjanska, Petnička and Potpeć) and one pit in Croatia (Keranova Golubinka). Sampling of rock substratum containing endoliths was performed at various distances from the entrance, at sites characterized by a lower level of light intensity. Phototrophs were separated from the rock matrix using 10% hydrochloric acid and analyzed using light microscopy. In general, low diversity of endoliths was observed, but representatives from Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta and Xanthophyta were found. Cyanobacteria, more precisely coccoid forms (genera Aphanocapsa, Chroococcidiopsis, Gloeocapsa, Gloeocapsopsis, Synechococcus), were dominant. The most interesting cyanobacterial taxon, Leptolyngbya-like taxon, representing a true endolith (euendolith), was found in the Petnička Cave. This taxon and its relation to the substratum, as well as chasmoendolithic community from the Keranova Golubinka Pit, were observed using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that chasmoendoliths inhabit already existing surface rock cracks and fissures, while a true endolith actively bores into the substratum. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was performed to observe the similarity between the sampling sites. Endoliths can grow inside the rocks, making them very successful biodeteriogens, which is not a desirable trait for caves and pits that are characterized by various attractive geomorphological features that need to be preserved. Thus, considering these habitats, more attention should be paid to the endolith community in the future.
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Coleine C, Stajich JE, Pombubpa N, Zucconi L, Onofri S, Canini F, Selbmann L. Altitude and fungal diversity influence the structure of Antarctic cryptoendolithic Bacteria communities. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2019; 11:718-726. [PMID: 31393667 PMCID: PMC8057506 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Endolithic growth within rocks is a critical adaptation of microbes living in harsh environments where exposure to extreme temperature, radiation, and desiccation limits the predominant life forms, such as in the ice-free regions of Continental Antarctica. The microbial diversity of the endolithic communities in these areas has been sparsely examined. In this work, diversity and composition of bacterial assemblages in the cryptoendolithic lichen-dominated communities of Victoria Land (Continental Antarctica) were explored using a high-throughput metabarcoding approach, targeting the V4 region of 16S rDNA. Rocks were collected in 12 different localities (from 14 different sites), along a gradient ranging from 1000 to 3300 m a.s.l. and at a sea distance ranging from 29 to 96 km. The results indicate Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria are the dominant taxa in all samples and defined a 'core' group of bacterial taxa across all sites. The structure of bacteria communities is correlated with the fungal counterpart and among the environmental parameters considered, altitude was found to influence bacterial biodiversity, while distance from sea had no evident influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nuttapon Pombubpa
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Fabiana Canini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Italian Antarctic National Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
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Billi D, Verseux C, Fagliarone C, Napoli A, Baqué M, de Vera JP. A Desert Cyanobacterium under Simulated Mars-like Conditions in Low Earth Orbit: Implications for the Habitability of Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:158-169. [PMID: 30742497 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the ESA space experiment BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment), dried Chroococcidiopsis cells were exposed to Mars-like conditions during the EXPOSE-R2 mission on the International Space Station. The samples were exposed to UV radiation for 469 days and to a Mars-like atmosphere for 722 days, approaching the conditions that could be faced on the surface of Mars. Once back on Earth, cell survival was tested by growth-dependent assays, while confocal laser scanning microscopy and PCR-based assay were used to analyze the accumulated damage in photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and phycobiliproteins) and genomic DNA, respectively. Survival occurred only for dried cells (4-5 cell layers thick) mixed with the martian soil simulants P-MRS (phyllosilicatic martian regolith simulant) and S-MRS (sulfatic martian regolith simulant), and viability was only maintained for a few hours after space exposure to a total UV (wavelength from 200 to 400 nm) radiation dose of 492 MJ/m2 (attenuated by 0.1% neutral density filters) and 0.5 Gy of ionizing radiation. These results have implications for the hypothesis that, during Mars's climatic history, desiccation- and radiation-tolerant life-forms could have survived in habitable niches and protected niches while transported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Billi
- 1 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Cyprien Verseux
- 1 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Napoli
- 1 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Mickael Baqué
- 2 German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre de Vera
- 2 German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Management and Infrastructure, Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
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6
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Roncero-Ramos B, Muñoz-Martín MÁ, Chamizo S, Fernández-Valbuena L, Mendoza D, Perona E, Cantón Y, Mateo P. Polyphasic evaluation of key cyanobacteria in biocrusts from the most arid region in Europe. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6169. [PMID: 30627491 PMCID: PMC6321753 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are key microbes in topsoil communities that have important roles in preventing soil erosion, carbon and nitrogen fixation, and influencing soil hydrology. However, little is known regarding the identity and distribution of the microbial components in the photosynthetic assemblages that form a cohesive biological soil crust (biocrust) in drylands of Europe. In this study, we investigated the cyanobacterial species colonizing biocrusts in three representative dryland ecosystems from the most arid region in Europe (SE Spain) that are characterized by different soil conditions. Isolated cyanobacterial cultures were identified by a polyphasic approach, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, phylogenetic relationship determination, and morphological and ecological habitat assessments. Three well-differentiated groups were identified: heterocystous-cyanobacteria (Nostoc commune, Nostoc calcicola, Tolypothrix distorta and Scytonema hyalinum), which play an important role in N and C cycling in soil; nonheterocystous bundle-forming cyanobacteria (Microcoleus steenstrupii, Trichocoleus desertorum, and Schizothrix cf. calcicola); and narrow filamentous cyanobacteria (Leptolyngbya frigida and Oculatella kazantipica), all of which are essential genera for initial biocrust formation. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of cyanobacterial species composition in biocrusts from important and understudied European habitats, such as the Mediterranean Basin, a hotspot of biodiversity, where these species are keystone pioneer organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sonia Chamizo
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Diego Mendoza
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elvira Perona
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Cantón
- Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain.,Centro de Investigación de Colecciones Científicas de la Universidad de Almería, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Pilar Mateo
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Meslier V, Casero MC, Dailey M, Wierzchos J, Ascaso C, Artieda O, McCullough PR, DiRuggiero J. Fundamental drivers for endolithic microbial community assemblies in the hyperarid Atacama Desert. Environ Microbiol 2018; 20:1765-1781. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Meslier
- Department of BiologyThe Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore MD USA
| | | | - Micah Dailey
- Department of BiologyThe Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore MD USA
| | | | - Carmen Ascaso
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSICMadrid Spain
| | - Octavio Artieda
- Departamento Biologica Vegetal, Ecologia y ciencias de la TierraUniversidad de ExtremaduraPlasencia Spain
| | - P. R. McCullough
- Department of Physics and AstronomyThe Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore MD USA
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8
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9
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Crits-Christoph A, Robinson CK, Ma B, Ravel J, Wierzchos J, Ascaso C, Artieda O, Souza-Egipsy V, Casero MC, DiRuggiero J. Phylogenetic and Functional Substrate Specificity for Endolithic Microbial Communities in Hyper-Arid Environments. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:301. [PMID: 27014224 PMCID: PMC4784552 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Under extreme water deficit, endolithic (inside rock) microbial ecosystems are considered environmental refuges for life in cold and hot deserts, yet their diversity and functional adaptations remain vastly unexplored. The metagenomic analyses of the communities from two rock substrates, calcite and ignimbrite, revealed that they were dominated by Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi. The relative distribution of major phyla was significantly different between the two substrates and biodiversity estimates, from 16S rRNA gene sequences and from the metagenomic data, all pointed to a higher taxonomic diversity in the calcite community. While both endolithic communities showed adaptations to extreme aridity and to the rock habitat, their functional capabilities revealed significant differences. ABC transporters and pathways for osmoregulation were more diverse in the calcite chasmoendolithic community. In contrast, the ignimbrite cryptoendolithic community was enriched in pathways for secondary metabolites, such as non-ribosomal peptides (NRP) and polyketides (PK). Assemblies of the metagenome data produced population genomes for the major phyla found in both communities and revealed a greater diversity of Cyanobacteria population genomes for the calcite substrate. Draft genomes of the dominant Cyanobacteria in each community were constructed with more than 93% estimated completeness. The two annotated proteomes shared 64% amino acid identity and a significantly higher number of genes involved in iron update, and NRPS gene clusters, were found in the draft genomes from the ignimbrite. Both the community-wide and genome-specific differences may be related to higher water availability and the colonization of large fissures and cracks in the calcite in contrast to a harsh competition for colonization space and nutrient resources in the narrow pores of the ignimbrite. Together, these results indicated that the habitable architecture of both lithic substrates- chasmoendolithic versus cryptoendolithic - might be an essential element in determining the colonization and the diversity of the microbial communities in endolithic substrates at the dry limit for life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bing Ma
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacek Wierzchos
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbial Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ascaso
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbial Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Virginia Souza-Egipsy
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Madrid, Spain
| | - M Cristina Casero
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbial Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Madrid, Spain
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10
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Pointing SB, Burkhard Büdel, Convey P, Gillman LN, Körner C, Leuzinger S, Vincent WF. Biogeography of photoautotrophs in the high polar biome. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:692. [PMID: 26442009 PMCID: PMC4566839 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The global latitudinal gradient in biodiversity weakens in the high polar biome and so an alternative explanation for distribution of Arctic and Antarctic photoautotrophs is required. Here we identify how temporal, microclimate and evolutionary drivers of biogeography are important, rather than the macroclimate features that drive plant diversity patterns elsewhere. High polar ecosystems are biologically unique, with a more central role for bryophytes, lichens and microbial photoautotrophs over that of vascular plants. Constraints on vascular plants arise mainly due to stature and ontogenetic barriers. Conversely non-vascular plant and microbial photoautotroph distribution is correlated with favorable microclimates and the capacity for poikilohydric dormancy. Contemporary distribution also depends on evolutionary history, with adaptive and dispersal traits as well as legacy influencing biogeography. We highlight the relevance of these findings to predicting future impacts on diversity of polar photoautotrophs and to the current status of plants in Arctic and Antarctic conservation policy frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B. Pointing
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Applied Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Burkhard Büdel
- Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, Cambridge, UK
- National Antarctic Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Len N. Gillman
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Applied Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Sebastian Leuzinger
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Applied Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Warwick F. Vincent
- Centre d’\Études Nordiques and Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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11
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McHugh TA, Morrissey EM, Reed SC, Hungate BA, Schwartz E. Water from air: an overlooked source of moisture in arid and semiarid regions. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13767. [PMID: 26345615 PMCID: PMC4561883 DOI: 10.1038/srep13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Water drives the functioning of Earth’s arid and semiarid lands. Drylands can obtain water from sources other than precipitation, yet little is known about how non-rainfall water inputs influence dryland communities and their activity. In particular, water vapor adsorption – movement of atmospheric water vapor into soil when soil air is drier than the overlying air – likely occurs often in drylands, yet its effects on ecosystem processes are not known. By adding 18O-enriched water vapor to the atmosphere of a closed system, we documented the conversion of water vapor to soil liquid water across a temperature range typical of arid ecosystems. This phenomenon rapidly increased soil moisture and stimulated microbial carbon (C) cycling, and the flux of water vapor to soil had a stronger impact than temperature on microbial activity. In a semiarid grassland, we also observed that non-rainfall water inputs stimulated microbial activity and C cycling. Together these data suggest that, during rain-free periods, atmospheric moisture in drylands may significantly contribute to variation in soil water content, thereby influencing ecosystem processes. The simple physical process of adsorption of water vapor to soil particles, forming liquid water, represents an overlooked but potentially important contributor to C cycling in drylands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A McHugh
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, UT, USA.,Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Ember M Morrissey
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Sasha C Reed
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, UT, USA
| | - Bruce A Hungate
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Egbert Schwartz
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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12
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In situ monitoring of microclimate and metabolic activity in lichens from Antarctic extremes: a comparison between South Shetland Islands and the McMurdo Dry Valleys. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Convey P, Chown SL, Clarke A, Barnes DKA, Bokhorst S, Cummings V, Ducklow HW, Frati F, Green TGA, Gordon S, Griffiths HJ, Howard-Williams C, Huiskes AHL, Laybourn-Parry J, Lyons WB, McMinn A, Morley SA, Peck LS, Quesada A, Robinson SA, Schiaparelli S, Wall DH. The spatial structure of Antarctic biodiversity. ECOL MONOGR 2014. [DOI: 10.1890/12-2216.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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14
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Moniz MBJ, Rindi F, Novis PM, Broady PA, Guiry MD. MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF ANTARCTIC PRASIOLA (PRASIOLALES, TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE) REVEALS EXTENSIVE CRYPTIC DIVERSITY(1). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2012; 48:940-955. [PMID: 27009004 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2012.01172.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Trebouxiophytes of the genus Prasiola are well known in Antarctica, where they are among the most important primary producers. Although many aspects of their biology have been thoroughly investigated, the scarcity of molecular data has so far prevented an accurate assessment of their taxonomy and phylogenetic position. Using sequences of the chloroplast genes rbcL and psaB, we demonstrate the existence of three cryptic species that were previously confused under Prasiola crispa (Lightfoot) Kützing. Genuine P. crispa occurs in Antarctica; its presence was confirmed by comparison with the rbcL sequence of the type specimen (from the Isle of Skye, Scotland). Prasiola antarctica Kützing is resurrected as an independent species to designate algae with gross morphology identical to P. crispa but robustly placed in a separate lineage. The third species is represented by specimens identified as P. calophylla (Carmichael ex Greville) Kützing in previous studies, but clearly separated from European P. calophylla (type locality: Argyll, Scotland); this alga is described as P. glacialis sp. nov. The molecular data demonstrated the presence of P. crispa in Maritime and Continental Antarctica. P. antarctica was recorded from the Antarctic Peninsula and Shetland Islands, and P. glacialis from the Southern Ocean islands and coast. Such unexpected cryptic diversity highlights the need for a taxonomic reassessment of many published Antarctic records of P. crispa. The results also indicate that marine species of Prasiola form a well-supported monophyletic group, whereas the phylogenetic diversity of freshwater species is higher than previously suspected (at least three separate lineages within the genus include species living in this type of environments).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica B J Moniz
- Irish Seaweed Research Group, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, IrelandDipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, ItalyAllan Herbarium, Landcare Research, P.O. Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New ZealandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New ZealandAlgaeBase, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fabio Rindi
- Irish Seaweed Research Group, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, IrelandDipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, ItalyAllan Herbarium, Landcare Research, P.O. Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New ZealandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New ZealandAlgaeBase, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Phil M Novis
- Irish Seaweed Research Group, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, IrelandDipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, ItalyAllan Herbarium, Landcare Research, P.O. Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New ZealandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New ZealandAlgaeBase, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Paul A Broady
- Irish Seaweed Research Group, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, IrelandDipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, ItalyAllan Herbarium, Landcare Research, P.O. Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New ZealandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New ZealandAlgaeBase, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael D Guiry
- Irish Seaweed Research Group, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, IrelandDipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, ItalyAllan Herbarium, Landcare Research, P.O. Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New ZealandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New ZealandAlgaeBase, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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Sterflinger K, Tesei D, Zakharova K. Fungi in hot and cold deserts with particular reference to microcolonial fungi. FUNGAL ECOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lakatos M, Obregón A, Büdel B, Bendix J. Midday dew--an overlooked factor enhancing photosynthetic activity of corticolous epiphytes in a wet tropical rain forest. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2012; 194:245-253. [PMID: 22257018 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.04034.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
• Additional water supplied by dew formation is an important resource for microbes, plants and animals in precipitation-limited habitats, but has received little attention in tropical forests until now. • We evaluated the micro-environmental conditions of tree stem surfaces and their epiphytic organisms in a neotropical forest, and present evidence for a novel mechanism of diurnal dew formation on these surfaces until midday that has physiological implications for corticolous epiphytes such as lichens. • In the understorey of a lowland forest in French Guiana, heat storage of stems during the day and delayed radiative loss during the night decreased stem surface temperatures by 6°C in comparison to the dew-point temperature of ambient air. This measured phenomenon induced modelled totals of diurnal dew formation between 0.29 and 0.69 mm d⁻¹ on the surface of the bark and the lichens until early afternoon. • Crustose lichens substantially benefit from this dew formation, because it prolongs photosynthetic activity. This previously unrecognized mechanism of midday dew formation contributes to the water supply of most corticolous organisms, and may be a general feature in forest habitats world-wide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lakatos
- Department of Plant Ecology and Systematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, PO Box 3049, D-67653 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - André Obregón
- Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing (LCRS), Department of Geography, University of Marburg, Deutschhausstr. 12, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Büdel
- Department of Plant Ecology and Systematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, PO Box 3049, D-67653 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jörg Bendix
- Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing (LCRS), Department of Geography, University of Marburg, Deutschhausstr. 12, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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Tolerance of the widespread cyanobacterium Nostoc commune to extreme temperature variations (-269 to 105°C), pH and salt stress. Oecologia 2011; 169:331-9. [PMID: 22120705 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-011-2200-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Nostoc commune is a widespread colonial cyanobacterium living on bare soils that alternate between frost and thaw, drought and inundation and very low and high temperatures. We collected N. commune from alternating wet and dry limestone pavements in Sweden and tested its photosynthesis and respiration at 20°C after exposure to variations in temperature (-269 to 105°C), pH (2-10) and NaCl (0.02-50 g NaCl kg(-1)). We found that dry field samples and rewetted specimens tolerated exposure beyond that experienced in natural environmental conditions: -269 to 70°C, pH 3-10 and 0-20 g NaCl kg(-1), with only a modest reduction of respiration, photosynthesis and active carbon uptake at 20°C. (14)CO(2) uptake from air declined markedly below zero and above 55°C, but remained positive. Specimens maintained a high metabolism with daily exposure to 6 h of rehydration and 18 h of desiccation at -18 and 20°C, but died at 40°C. The field temperature never exceeded the critical 40°C threshold during the wet periods, but it frequently exceeded this temperature during dry periods when N. commune is already dry and unaffected. We conclude that N. commune has an excellent tolerance to low temperatures, long-term desiccation and recurring cycles of desiccation and rewetting. These traits explain why it is the pioneer species in extremely harsh, nutrient-poor and alternating wet and dry environments.
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Bagshaw EA, Cockell CS, Magan N, Wadham JL, Venugopalan T, Sun T, Mowlem M, Croxford AJ. The microbial habitability of weathered volcanic glass inferred from continuous sensing techniques. ASTROBIOLOGY 2011; 11:651-664. [PMID: 21923408 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2010.0563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Basaltic glasses (hyaloclastite) are a widespread habitat for life in volcanic environments, yet their interior physical conditions are poorly characterized. We investigated the characteristics of exposed weathered basaltic glass from a surface outcrop in Iceland, using microprobes capable of continuous sensing, to determine whether the physical conditions in the rock interior are hospitable to microbial life. The material provided thermal protection from freeze-thaw and rapid temperature fluctuations, similar to data reported for other rock types. Water activity experiments showed that at moisture contents less than 13% wet weight, the glass and its weathering product, palagonite, had a water activity below levels suitable for bacterial growth. In pore spaces, however, these higher moisture conditions might be maintained for many days after a precipitation event. Gas exchange between the rock interior and exterior was rapid (< 10 min) when the rocks were dry, but when saturated with water, equilibration took many hours. During this period, we demonstrated the potential for low oxygen conditions within the rock caused by respiratory stimulation of the heterotrophic community within. These conditions might exist within subglacial environments during the formation of the rocks or in micro-environments in the interior of exposed rocks. The experiments showed that microbial communities at the site studied here could potentially be active for 39% of the year, if the depth of the community within the outcrop maintains a balance between access to liquid water and adequate protection from freezing. In the absence of precipitation, the interior of weathered basaltic glass is an extreme and life-limiting environment for microorganisms on Earth and other planets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Bagshaw
- Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Cyanobacteria: Multiple Stresses, Desiccation-Tolerant Photosynthesis and Di-nitrogen Fixation. PLANT DESICCATION TOLERANCE 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-19106-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Ramirez M, Hernandez-Marine M, Novelo E, Roldan M. Cyanobacteria-containing biofilms from a Mayan monument in Palenque, Mexico. BIOFOULING 2010; 26:399-409. [PMID: 20182932 DOI: 10.1080/08927011003660404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Surfaces of buildings at the archaeological site of Palenque, Mexico, are colonized by cyanobacteria that form biofilms, which in turn cause aesthetic and structural damage. The structural characterization and species composition of biofilms from the walls of one of these buildings, El Palacio, are reported. The distribution of photosynthetic microorganisms in the biofilms, their relationship with the colonized substratum, and the three-dimensional structure of the biofilms were studied by image analysis. The differences between local seasonal microenvironments at the Palenque site, the bioreceptivity of stone and the relationship between biofilms and their substrata are described. The implications for the development and permanence of species capable of withstanding temporal heterogeneity in and on El Palacio, mainly due to alternating wet and dry seasons, are discussed. Knowledge on how different biofilms contribute to biodegradation or bioprotection of the substratum can be used to develop maintenance and conservation protocols for cultural heritage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ramirez
- Facultat de Farmacia, Unitat de Botanica, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
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