Salt deliquescence drives photosynthesis in the hyperarid Atacama Desert.
Environ Microbiol Rep
; 5(4): 583-7, 2013 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23864573
Endolithic cyanobacteria are found in halite nodules in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert. Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated Fluorometry, we show here that photosynthetic systems of these cyanobacteria become active when the relative humidity rises above 70% and the salt becomes wet by way of deliquescence. This is the first evidence of active metabolism in the hyperarid core of the Atacama, and supports the view of a microbial community sustained by deliquescence. Our results expand the water activity envelope of life on Earth.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Fotosíntesis
/
Sales (Química)
/
Microbiología del Suelo
/
Cianobacterias
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Environ Microbiol Rep
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos