Most of the seafloor is in the deep-sea and is hallmarked by hostile conditions, i.e., no light, high pressure, food scarcity, and is mostly characterized by comparatively low turnover rates ( Middelburg et al., 1993).
Through its pivotal role for processing deposited material in marine sediments, the seafloor is critically involved in the extent to which carbon sequestration, nutrient recycling, carbonate dissolution and methane production occur (cf. The ocean’s seafloor covers ∼70% of our planet’s surface and is vastly underexplored. It highlights the great potential that combining microbiological and biogeochemical data from in situ experiments with molecular tools has for providing a holistic understanding of bio-geo-coupling in seafloor habitats and uses hydrothermal vent systems as a case example. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge of cultivation-dependent and -independent techniques applied to seafloor habitats to unravel the role of the microbial dark matter. Consequently, a tremendous black box awaits discovery of novel enzymes, catalytic abilities, and metabolic properties in one of the largest habitats on Earth. Given that the seafloor covers ∼70% of our planet, this amounts to an uncalled potential of unrecognized metabolic properties and interconnections catalyzed by this microbial dark matter. Thus, their ability and contribution to element cycling remain enigmatic. Most of the microbes expected to colonize the seafloor and its subsurface are currently uncultured. Researchers have recognized the potential of enzymes and metabolic pathways hidden among the unseen majority of Earth’s microorganisms for decades now. Geomicrobiology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
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