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The miracle of life 10 kilometers deep: How do microorganisms obtain energy in extreme environments?
When we think about the existence of life, most of us associate it with sunlight, air, and the surface environment of the Earth. But deep within the Earth lies an astonishing ecosystem—the deep biosphere, a dark, extreme environment teeming with microorganisms where, surprisingly, life thrives in its own unique style.
The deep biosphere extends below the Earth's crust to depths of up to ten kilometres, where temperatures can reach over 120°C, all under intense pressure and extreme conditions.
Several kilometres below the surface of the sea and land, microorganisms obtain their energy through chemical reactions rather than photosynthesis or organic matter. These microorganisms use the "food" available in the environment, such as hydrogen, methane and various sulfides, to sustain their life activities. The metabolic rates of these microorganisms can be millions of times slower than those on the ground, which means that their survival is almost entirely dependent on the extremely limited energy sources in their surroundings.
The reason why the deep biosphere can exist is first of all due to the rich chemical energy it contains. In deep environments, these microorganisms obtain energy through oxidation and reduction reactions. For example, microorganisms can obtain energy by oxidizing methane (CH4), a reaction that is an important factor in regulating global climate.
In this process, electron donors such as methane release energy through oxidation reactions, supplying the ATP needed for microbial survival.
In addition, the survival of these microorganisms is also affected by the air pressure and temperature in the environment. As depth increases, the pressure becomes extremely high, which limits certain biochemical reactions but also promotes the emergence of some special microorganisms. For example, pressure-loving microorganisms (piezophiles) can reproduce under ultra-high pressure, further demonstrating the resilience of life in extreme environments.
During the course of their research, scientists discovered that these microorganisms have considerable diversity in the way they obtain energy. Not only can they tap into sulfide-based energy sources, but they can also tap into chemicals from hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. These vents not only provide essential nutrients to the microorganisms, but are also filled with chemical compounds that can serve as a source of energy.
Under certain growth conditions, including high temperatures and pressures, microorganisms can thrive in the most extreme environments, making use of the "food" they need.
Backed by science and technology, researchers use advanced sampling and analytical techniques to explore this biosphere. The process of extracting samples from deep underground is undoubtedly challenging, but through modern technology, they are able to further understand the living habits of these microorganisms and the process of energy conversion. For example, the scientists found that while the number of microorganisms may decrease with increasing depth, their ability to survive high pressure and temperature environments is not significantly affected.
Microorganisms seem to have developed a coping system in such extreme conditions, including the ability to resist high temperature and high pressure. Even in the most extreme environments—such as the depths of the ocean or the chaotic world beneath the Earth's crust—these life forms persist, finding their way to survival in the underwater darkness.
Research on the deep biosphere not only reveals the most hidden life forms on Earth, but also challenges human definition and understanding of life. Each exploration is like revealing an unknown map, showing the diversity and adaptability of these microorganisms in energy acquisition. Such precious and intriguing evidence reminds us how many life forms we have not yet discovered. Exists deep in the earth?
