Ecology: Electrical Cable Bacteria Save Marine Life

Curr Biol. 2016 Jan 11;26(1):R32-3. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.11.014.

Abstract

Animals at the bottom of the sea survive oxygen depletion surprisingly often, and a new study identifies cable bacteria in the sediment as the saviors. The bacterial electrical activity creates an iron 'carpet', trapping toxic hydrogen sulfide.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Geologic Sediments / microbiology*
  • Iron / analysis*
  • Seasons*
  • Seawater / chemistry*
  • Sulfides / analysis*
  • Thiotrichaceae / metabolism*

Substances

  • Sulfides
  • Iron