Roles of mobile genetic elements and biosynthetic gene clusters in environmental adaptation of acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma to extreme polluted environments
mycolabadmin
Scientists discovered how a special acid-loving microorganism called Ferroplasma survives and thrives in highly polluted mine drainage environments rich in dangerous heavy metals. The study revealed that these microorganisms use special genetic elements like jumping genes and metabolite-producing genes to adapt to these extreme conditions, enabling them to help clean up pollution. This discovery could lead to better biological methods for treating contaminated environments and making water safer near old mining sites.