What do bacteria in deep-sea habitats utilize hydrogen sulfide for?

Bacteria in deep-sea habitats utilize hydrogen sulfide primarily for energy production. In these extreme environments, especially near hydrothermal vents, some bacteria have developed unique metabolic pathways that allow them to harness the energy from hydrogen sulfide, a compound that is toxic to many organisms but serves as an energy source for these specialized bacteria.

These bacteria can convert hydrogen sulfide into energy through processes such as chemosynthesis, where they use the chemical energy released from the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to synthesize organic compounds. This process supports entire ecosystems in the deep-sea, where sunlight is absent, and traditional photosynthesis cannot occur.

In contrast, while hydrogen sulfide may play roles in other biological processes, such as serving as a growth factor in certain conditions or participating in respiration in different contexts, the primary and most significant role of hydrogen sulfide for these deep-sea bacteria is energy production. This unique adaptation illustrates the diversity of life and metabolic processes in extreme conditions.