Mesothermophilic archaea (The Deep)

Mesothermophilic archaea is a lifeform that features in the BBC mini-series The Deep.

History

Mesothermophilic archaea was a unique phylum of thermophile that existed deep beneath the sea near the lava beds where it existed within the intense heat filled hostile environment. They lived specifically in the Archeron Trench namely in the Lomonosov Ridge where the pressure was known to be high. These creatures lived deep within the mud filled sediment on the ocean floor where it remained undiscovered for an unknown number of years. Unlike other examples of thermophiles, this species was highly efficient as other samples only produced an energy level of 0.5%. However, this species made use of a nickel iron hydrogenase enzyme to metabolize cellulose and produce hydrogen with a 75% metabolic efficiency. These creatures also produced concentrated nitric acid as a by-product capable of rupturing steel hulls which made them dangerous to collect. By creating pure hydrogen, it made them a near limitless source of energy if they were discovered by the world.

In the 21st century, there were fears over a fuel crisis around the world leading to many to consider alternative sources of energy. It was during this time that a British scientist by the name of Catherine Donnelly believed that a possible energy source was present in a form of bio-fuel that might be produced by thermophiles that lived deep on the oceans floor. Her theory led to the formation of the Hermes expedition with her being attached to it and being sent into the Lomonosov Ridge in order to find this micro-organism. Her studies into the organism led her in naming it as Mesothermophilic archaea though she nick named them Lava Bugs due to their nature and environment. However, contact was lost with the expedition and it was believed that everyone attached to it had been killed. This led to the formation of a second expedition called Orpheus with two missions attached to it; to find the bio-fuel and discover the fate of the Hermes.

Unknown to them and the rest of the world, a Russian submarine known as the Volos was also present in the region where they were conducting an illegal oil mining operation. They had been establishing wellheads on the ocean floor with an installation present in the Archeron Trench despite it being illegal due to the treaties involved with other nations. The further the ship went deeper into the trench, the hull of the vessel began to degrade. Captain Zubov of the Volos was aware something was damaging his ships hull but did not know what was the cause - though Catherine Donnelly knew it was the result of the lava bugs secretions. Their drilling into the sediment led to the uncovering of the unique species of thermophile which was studied in the Voloss bio-lab. The ship uncovered the sole survivor of the Hermes expedition namely Catherine Donnelly herself where she remained on the Volos and studied the lava bug samples. When the ships nuclear powered radar dish was activated, the energy killed most of the Volos crew as well as the samples of the lava bugs on the ship. The Orpheus was partlt rescued from destruction by the Volos and it was discovered that the damage to the Russian submarine and the destruction of the Hermes was attributed to the acidic excretions of the lava bugs.

With the only samples killed by radiation, Catherine Donnelly along with the remaining members of the Orpheus expedition sought the ocean floor Russian installation in order to collect another sample of lava bugs to take to the surface. Unknown to many, a shadow conflict was being fought amongst the surface due to the potential of the microrganisms. They intended to ensure that Mrs Donnelly's research never made it to the scientific community as it would mean the end of mining resources such as minerals and oil. Thus, these individuals paid key individuals to help ensure the failure of the expedition. The success of the mission meant that ten billion tonnes of oil was worthless due to the clean and renewable nature of the lava bugs.

Appearances

• The Deep: