This single cell organism may survive on Hydrogen in space!
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Abundance of Hydrogen in the Universe
Hydrogen constitutes three-quarters of all matter in the universe and was abundant on early Earth due to intense geological and volcanic activity.
Energy Source for Life
Similar to stars using hydrogen for nuclear reactions, early life forms emerged by harnessing energy from this molecule through chemical reactions.
Discovery of Archaea
Archaea, discovered in the 1970s, represent a third form of life alongside bacteria and eukaryotes, thriving in diverse environments.
Unique Energy Harvesting
Archaea utilize special enzymes called hydrogenases to extract energy from hydrogen gas, enabling survival in extreme conditions.
Survival in Harsh Environments
Some archaea flourish in hostile environments like acidic hot springs, sustained by continuous hydrogen production from Earth's geothermal processes.
Adaptation Underground
Many archaea inhabit deep underground where they decompose organic matter via hydrogen-forming fermentation in the absence of light and oxygen.
Role in Methane Production
Methanogenic archaea in animal intestines produce methane by consuming hydrogen, influencing greenhouse gas emissions.
Potential Lessons for Industry
Archaeal hydrogenases, efficient biological catalysts, inspire research into eco-friendly hydrogen production technologies, potentially replacing costly metal catalysts.
Hydrogen in Evolutionary History
The "hydrogen hypothesis" suggests early eukaryotic evolution was driven by symbiosis between archaeal and bacterial cells, with hydrogen as a pivotal element.