Ecological strategies of barophilic bacteria in the deep ocean

Abstract

The deep ocean is an extreme environment where low temperature and elevated hydrostatic pressure inhibit the metabolic activities of bacteria transported there via sinking particulate matter. However, it is also home to pressure-preferring or barophilic bacteria, believed to be functionally dominant over shallow-water intruders at abyssal depths. Ecological strategies adopted by these unique microorganisms appear to be driven primarily by the oligotrophic nature of their environment.