University of Montana Researchers Find Evolutionary Key To Photosynthetic Life At Extreme Temperatures

Researchers in The University of Montana Division of Biological Sciences are beginning unlock the mysteries underlying the unique innovation of photosynthetic bacterial life at extreme temperatures.

Every year, millions of visitors to Yellowstone National Park traverse the boardwalk of Grand Prismatic Hot Spring to witness one of life’s major transitions. Near boiling point at the pool’s blue center, the microbial food web is powered by hydrogen. But where the water has cooled to about 165 degrees Fahrenheit, colorful microbial mats of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus develop and support a more diverse and productive community which is fueled by sunlight.

Full Story: http://news.umt.edu/2013/03/032513life.aspx