Salt deliquescence drives photosynthesis in the hyperarid Atacama Desert. Issue 4 (8th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davila, Alfonso F.; Hawes, Ian; Ascaso, Carmen; Wierzchos, Jacek
• Is Part Of: Environmental microbiology reports. Volume 5:Issue 4(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 583
• Page End: 587
• Publication Date: 2013-04-08
• Subjects: Microbial ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 579.17
• DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-2229

Abstract

Summary: Endolithic cyanobacteria are found in halite nodules in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert. Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated Fluorometry, we show here that photosynthetic systems of these cyanobacteria become active when the relative humidity rises above 70% and the salt becomes wet by way of deliquescence. This is the first evidence of active metabolism in the hyperarid core of the Atacama, and supports the view of a microbial community sustained by deliquescence. Our results expand the water activity envelope of life on Earth.