Kinetotroph: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 19:39, 22 October 2023
A kinetotroph or kinetic harvester is a hypothetical organism that would use kinetic energy to produce complex molecules like adenosine triphosphate (ATP). There are no known kinetotrophs on Earth, likely because the process is less efficient than other sources of energy like light or chemicals.[1] Kinetotrophs could obtain this energy from numerous sources like wind, tides, or currents; this would allow them to inhabit locations with minimal light for photosynthesis, such as the Jovian moon Europa.[2] Kinetotrophs could descend from chemotrophs, and have been hypothesized to take the form of sedentary ciliates and reed-like organisms.[1]
Mechanisms
The theoretical mechanics that would allow kinetotrophism vary widely. One pathway proposed by Dirk Schulze-Makuch and Louis N. Irwin involves lever-like proteins that would be moved by the flow of fluid. When inside a protein channel with cilia-like proteins that could act as channel guards, the levers could allow specific molecules into or out of the cell.[3] Harnessing the Gibbs–Donnan effect, sodium ions could be made to enter the cell and fuel a hydrogen transporter similar to those in mitochondria, thus allowing for energy-storing molecules like ATP to be synthesized.[2]
Another mechanism to derive energy from kinetics would be a spring-like structure. Fluid currents or tides could place pressure on cilia structures, bending them and creating tensile energy. When the pressure subsides, that tension would be released and could create usable energy.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Irwin, Louis (2011). Cosmic biology: how life could evolve on other worlds. Springer. pp. 101, 180, 240. ISBN 9781441916464.
- ^ a b Schulze‐Makuch, Dirk; Irwin, Louis N. (2001-03-27). "Alternative energy sources could support life on Europa". Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union. 82 (13): 150–150. doi:10.1029/EO082i013p00150. ISSN 0096-3941.
- ^ Wicaksono, Adhityo; Cristy, Ghea Putry (2021). "Xenobiology: An expanded semantical review". Notulae Scientia Biologicae. 13 (2). doi:10.15835/nsb13210929 – via ResearchGate.