Microbial life is surprisingly abundant and diverse in global desert ecosystems. In these environments, microorganisms endure a multitude of physicochemical stresses, including low water potential, carbon and nitrogen starvation, and extreme temperatures. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the energetic mechanisms and trophic dynamics that underpin microbial function in desert ecosystems. Accumulating evidence suggests that dormancy is a common strategy that facilitates microbial survival in response to water and carbon limitation.
Journal article
Energetic Basis of Microbial Growth and Persistence in Desert Ecosystems
0301 basic medicine
dormancy
CYANOBACTERIAL EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES
Trace gas
Microbiology
SOIL CRUSTS
Energy reserve
HIGH-AFFINITY
03 medical and health sciences
trace gas
ATMOSPHERIC TRACE GASES
Energetics
energy reserve
Dormancy
SOR RONDANE MOUNTAINS
Desert
Photosynthesis
106026 Ecosystem research
CARBON-MONOXIDE
desert
ATACAMA DESERT
energetics
2. Zero hunger
106022 Mikrobiologie
0303 health sciences
photosynthesis
COMMUNITY RESPONSE
15. Life on land
QR1-502
106026 Ökosystemforschung
DRY SOIL
13. Climate action
MOLECULAR-HYDROGEN
106022 Microbiology
Minireview
Temporal
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Created: 2020-04-13
Updated: 2026-07-14T16:21:29Z
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date
Language: Unknown