ANAEROBIC PROTIST SYMBIOSES

The Beinart lab investigates the ecology and physiology of symbiosis between anaerobic protists (primarily ciliates) and methanogenic archaea, which are found in many types of anoxic and oxygen-depleted habitats. These partnerships are based on syntrophic metabolic coupling between host fermentation and symbiont methane production. The symbiont utilizes host fermentative end-products for methanogenesis, making fermentation more favorable for the host.

MARINE ANAEROBIC CILIATE-METHANOGEN SYMBIOSES
FROM COASTAL NEW ENGLAND BENTHIC HABITATS