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Exploring hydrothermal vent sites in the submersible
Alvin, Dr. Craig Taylor, a scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution, sometimes wishes his eyeglasses were equipped with
the lenses of a high-powered microscope to expose the fascinating
invisible life that inhabits the vents.
He and his research team have built specialized equipment such
as the Autonomous Microbial Sampler (AMS) to collect microbes from
vent chimneys during the Extreme 2002 expedition.
Pictured below is a magnified view of Arcobacter sulfidicus,
one of the vent microbes that Dr. Taylor and his colleagues
Carl Wirsen and Stefan Sievert are studying.
Resembling a hot dog with four long tails, this organism thrives
on the poisonous hydrogen sulfide that shoots out of the vents!
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| The
four long tails on the vent microbe Arcobacter sulfidicus
are whip-like flagella that help propel it through the water. Photo
courtesy of Craig Taylor and Carl Wirsen, Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution. |
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| Magnified
view of vent bacteria on the surface of pyrite. The cylinder-shaped
microbes are 4 microns long. |
Scientists are particularly interested in vent bacteria because
these primitive microbes can withstand high temperature and pressure,
giving them many valuable uses in industry. For example, some bacteria
can convert harmful chemicals to safer forms, making them ideal
for cleaning up oil spills and hazardous waste.
Scientists are also curious about the deep sea's tiniest life because
these organisms are among the oldest on Earth. In fact, an ancient
life form — Archaea ("ark-ee-uh") — has been
found at vent sites. Previously, these microscopic organisms had
been discovered in another "extreme environment": hot
springs in Yellowstone Park.
Some astrobiologists speculate that if there is life on other planets,
it might be vent bacteria. Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, is covered
in ice. Recent findings suggest that portions of the ice move, which
is strong evidence that liquid water lies beneath it. The water
may be maintained in its liquid state by hydrothermal vents. If
vents exist on Europa, vent bacteria might live there, too!
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