Scientists Uncover How Archaea Harness Hydrogen for Energy
New research reveals the ancient mechanisms that allow archaea to thrive in extreme environments and offers insights for sustainable hydrogen production.
- Archaea, one of the three domains of life, have used hydrogen for energy for billions of years.
- Researchers identified unique hydrogenase enzymes in archaea, previously thought to exist only in bacteria and eukaryotes.
- These enzymes are both the smallest and most complex known, enabling archaea to survive in harsh conditions.
- The study enhances understanding of evolutionary biology and the origins of eukaryotes.
- Findings could inspire new biotechnological methods for industrial hydrogen production.