Oil-eating microbes give clue to ancient energy source

摘要

Microbes that break down oil and petroleum are more diverse than previously thought, suggesting hydrocarbons were used as an energy source early in the Earth's history, according to Dr Friedrich Widdel from the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany. These microbes can change the composition of oil and natural gas, and can even control the release of some greenhouse gases. Understanding the role of microbes in consuming hydrocarbons may therefore help us access their role in the natural control of climate change.