Insights into the Methanogenic Population and Potential in Subsurface Marine Sediments Based on Coenzyme F430 as a Function-Specific Biomarker
Masanori Kaneko, Yoshinori Takano, Masashi Kamo, Kazuya Morimoto, Takuro Nunoura, Naohiko Ohkouchi
Abstract
F430 concentration and F430 contents in cultivable methanogen species decreases by 2 orders of magnitude up to a sediment depth of 2.5 km, with a maximum value at ∼70 m below the seafloor (mbsf), while the proportion of methanogens to the total prokaryotic cell abundance increases with the depth, which is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than expected previously. Our results indicate the presence of undetectable methanogens using conventional techniques.
Topics & Concepts
MethanogenesisMethanogenCofactorPopulationArchaeaChemistryBiologyEnvironmental chemistryMethaneBiochemistryEcologyGeneEnzymeDemographySociologyMethane Hydrates and Related PhenomenaAtmospheric and Environmental Gas DynamicsAnaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production