Synopsis
A team of Australian scientists has revealed crucial insights into how microbes consume significant amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) and assist in lowering the levels of this harmful gas, highlighting their vital role in environmental health and pollution reduction.Key Takeaways
- Microbes consume substantial CO, reducing atmospheric levels.
- CO dehydrogenase enzyme allows microbes to harness energy from CO.
- Microbial activity helps combat air pollution and global warming.
- Understanding microbes is crucial for appreciating their ecological contributions.
- New findings link Arctic microbes to potential antibiotic development.
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) A team of Australian researchers has uncovered significant insights into how microbes consume vast amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) and aid in diminishing the concentrations of this hazardous gas.
A recent study published in the Science Direct journal indicates that over two billion tonnes of CO are emitted into the atmosphere worldwide each year. However, microbes are responsible for consuming approximately 250 million tonnes of this gas, effectively lowering CO levels to more manageable thresholds.
The groundbreaking research led by scientists at Monash University demonstrated that these microbes utilize a unique enzyme known as CO dehydrogenase to metabolize atmospheric CO.
This enzyme enables them to derive energy from this omnipresent yet extremely toxic gas.
The findings, published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, elaborate on how this enzyme harnesses atmospheric CO to energize microbial cells.
“This enzyme is utilized by trillions of microbes inhabiting our soils and aquatic environments. These microbes utilize CO for their survival, inadvertently benefiting us in the process,” explained Ashleigh Kropp from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI).
Dr. David Gillett from the university highlighted that these microbes not only purify our atmosphere but also combat air pollution, a known health hazard. Additionally, they contribute to mitigating global warming, as CO is indirectly a greenhouse gas.
The research underscores the vital role of microbes in both human health and the health of our planet.
“Despite being invisible and often misinterpreted, their contributions frequently go unnoticed,” the researchers stated.
They emphasized that microbes significantly contribute to making air breathable.
“They produce half of the oxygen we inhale and detoxify various pollutants, including CO. Understanding and valuing their role in our survival is essential.”
Furthermore, a separate study by Finnish researchers revealed that microbes residing deep within the Arctic Sea hold promising potential for antibiotic development.
