Researchers at Stanford University have found that certain cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, possess both forms of the enzyme RuBisCo, a rare combination that may enhance their carbon storage capabilities, especially in low-oxygen ocean zones. This discovery, detailed in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights how these microbes have adapted to extreme environments. Traditionally, organisms have only one type of RuBisCo, vital for converting carbon dioxide into biomass. Form I RuBisCo, typically found in carboxysomes, is efficient in carbon fixation, while Form II functions better in low-oxygen conditions. The presence of both forms enables these cyanobacteria to potentially sequester more carbon dioxide than previously realized. The ability to thrive in oxygen minimum zones—areas characterized by limited light and oxygen—emphasizes their ecological importance. This research could have implications for understanding ocean carbon storage in the face of climate change and may also inspire advancements in agricultural crop engineering by leveraging the efficiency seen in these microbes. The findings reflect a broader understanding of life’s adaptability to challenging environmental conditions.
