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Hydrogen sulfide oxidation is coupled to oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria of Solemya reidi

Journal Article · · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

Solemya reidi, a gutless clam found in sulfide-rich habitats, contains within its gills bacterial symbionts thought to oxidize sulfur compounds and provide a reduced carbon food source to the clam. However, the initial step or steps in sulfide oxidation occur in the animal tissue, and mitochondria isolated from both gill and symbiont-free foot tissue of the clam coupled the oxidation of sulfide to oxidative phosphorylation (adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis). The ability of Solemya reidi to exploit directly the energy in sulfide for ATP synthesis is unprecedented, and suggests that sulfide-habitat animals that lack bacterial symbionts may also use sulfide as an inorganic energy source.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California, San Diego, La Jolla
OSTI ID:
7246974
Journal Information:
Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 233; ISSN SCIEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English