Human activity has been frequently discussed as a cause of global warming (global warming). But who would have thought that bacterial activity was also contributed role in global warming. The activity of bacteria communicate with each other when other bacteria.Global warming refers to an increase in average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans because of the effects involved. Most global warming caused by rising concentrations of greenhouse gases generated by human activities such as deforestation and fossil fuel use.
But researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have found that bacterial communication can have a significant impact on the Earth's climate. At sea, the bacteria embedded in small particles of carbon-rich submerged and eroded when the penetrating depth.
Experts from WHOI marine biogeochemical Hmelo Laura, Benjamin Van Mooy and Tracy Mincer found the bacteria in the ocean will send chemical signals to see the presence of other bacteria in the environment.
If the bacteria get enough of the number of other groups who were nearby, then the group of bacteria will begin secreting mass (removing) enzyme. Enzyme secreted will be used to break carbon-containing molecules into a form of particles that are easier to digest.
The researchers found an enzyme that is very profitable well-coordinated groups of bacteria which together with the particles on the seabed. Hmelo and his colleagues have found evidence to support the statement on marine life.
"It was beyond our expectations, that bacteria can communicate with like and in bulk to the secretion of enzymes. But it is indeed a real place and has been proven through research that we've done," said Hmelo, while speaking at the University of Washington, as quoted by ScienceDaily, Sunday (10/16/2011).
Sources of carbon in atmospheric particles is carbon dioxide. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that can capture the heat. Communication bacteria can cause the release of carbon particles in the shallow sea depths. Thus preventing particle sink in the depths of the ocean or seabed.
WHOI scientists shows the results of bacterial communication can affect Earth's climate.This is done through a mechanism that is the withdrawal of carbon dioxide from the air and transferred to the seabed.
And when the carbon dioxide has been drawn to the ocean floor which can not easily return to the atmosphere. This is the first evidence that bacterial communication plays an important role in the carbon cycle on earth.
"It was so amazing that what is happening at sea because of the bacteria greatly influence the carbon cycle on earth, so that ultimately affect Earth's climate," said the researchers.
The study was funded by the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research. Initial review research papers have been published online in Environmental Microbiology Reports.
Problem of global warming continues to be a concern because of drastic climate change will bring many new diseases.