High pressure adaptation of deep-sea microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles

Abstract:

Deep-sea environment is typically under pressure where piezophiles are the dominant life-forms in such ecosystem. As the development of sampling and cultivation techniques, various piezophilic microorganisms have been isolated from deep-sea, including certain obligated piezophilic species which cannot grow under ambient pressure. Through previous systematic investigations on these piezophiles, the adaptation mechanism to elevated pressure has been partly revealed and some unique metabolites have been identified. Moreover, the research on piezophic microorganisms also helps us to better understand the limitation, origin and evolution of life. This review will focus on the diversity of piezophic microorganisms and their adaptation strategies, thereafter try to illustrate the important roles that the deep-marine microorganisms have been playing on the global geobiochemistry through historical record.

Key words:Deep-sea, Piezophile, Piezophilic adaptation, Biogeochemistry