Prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity in hydrothermal continental systems

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Silva, B (Author) Other; Antunes, SC (Author) FCUP; Andrade, F (Author) Other; da Silva, EF (Author) Other; Grande, JA (Author) Other; Luis, AT (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Archives of Microbiology

ISSN: 0302-8933

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 5 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-42W

DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02416-1

Abstract (EN): The term extremophile was suggested more than 30 years ago and represents microorganisms that are capable of developing and living under extreme conditions, these conditions being particularly hostile to other types of microorganisms and to humankind. In terrestrial hydrothermal sites, like hot springs, "mud pools", solfataras, and geysers, the dominant extreme conditions are high temperature, low or high pH, and high levels of salinity. The diversity of microorganisms inhabiting these sites is determined by the conditions of the environment. Organisms belonging to the domains Archaea and Bacteria are more represented than the one belonging to Eukarya. Eukarya members tend to be less present because of their lower tolerance to higher temperatures, however, they perform important ecosystem processes when present. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have morphological and physical adaptations that allow them to colonize extreme environments. Microbial mats are complex associations of microorganisms that help the colonization of more extreme systems. In this review, a characterization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms that populate terrestrial hydrothermal systems are made.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16