Deep-sea archaea fix and share nitrogen in methane-consuming microbial consortia. Science (New York, N.Y.) [Science] Journal article

Title	Deep-sea archaea fix and share nitrogen in methane-consuming microbial consortia.
Author(s)	Dekas AE, Poretsky RS, Orphan VJ
Institution	Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA. dekas@gps.caltech.edu
Source	Science 2009 Oct 16; 326(5951):422-6.
MeSH	Anaerobiosis Archaea Bacteria, Anaerobic Deltaproteobacteria Ecosystem Genes, Archaeal Genes, Bacterial Geologic Sediments Mass Spectrometry Methane Nitrogen Fixation Nitrogen Isotopes Operon Oxidation-Reduction Oxidoreductases Seawater Sulfates Symbiosis
Abstract	Nitrogen-fixing (diazotrophic) microorganisms regulate productivity in diverse ecosystems; however, the identities of diazotrophs are unknown in many oceanic environments. Using single-cell-resolution nanometer secondary ion mass spectrometry images of 15N incorporation, we showed that deep-sea anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea fix N2, as well as structurally similar CN-, and share the products with sulfate-reducing bacterial symbionts. These archaeal/bacterial consortia are already recognized as the major sink of methane in benthic ecosystems, and we now identify them as a source of bioavailable nitrogen as well. The archaea maintain their methane oxidation rates while fixing N2 but reduce their growth, probably in compensation for the energetic burden of diazotrophy. This finding extends the demonstrated lower limits of respiratory energy capable of fueling N2 fixation and reveals a link between the global carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles.
Language	eng
Pub Type(s)	Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
PubMed ID	19833965

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