Anoxia Evidence for Eukaryote Survival and Paleontological Strategies [Paperback]

ANOXIA defines the lack of free molecular oxygen in an environment. In the presence of organic matter, anaerobic prokaryotes produce compounds such as free radicals, hydrogen sulfide, or methane that are typically toxic to aerobes. The concomitance of suppressed respiration and presence of toxic substances suggests these habitats are inhospitable to Eukaryota. Ecologists sometimes term such environments 'Death Zones'. This book presents, however, a collection of remarkable adaptations to anoxia, observed in Eukaryotes such as protists, animals, plants and fungi. Case studies provide evidence for controlled beneficial use of anoxia by, for example, modification of free radicals, use of alternative electron donors for anaerobic metabolic pathways, and employment of anaerobic symbionts. The complex, interwoven existence of oxic and anoxic conditions in space and time is also highlighted as is the idea that eukaryotic inhabitation of anoxic habitats was established early in Earth history.

This volume presents a collection of remarkable adaptations to anoxia, observed in protists, fungi, plants and animals. The text presents case studies that provide evidence for controlled beneficial use of anoxia, like organic modification of free radicals, for example.

Introduction, Joseph Seckbach. Stepping into the book of Eukaryotes and Anoxia,? Alexander Altenbach, Joan Bernhard, Joseph Seckbach. List of Authors and their Addresses. List of External Reviewers and Referees. Acknowledgment to authors, reviewers and any special people who assisted.
PART I: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Anaerobic eukaryotes, Tom Fenchel. Biogeochemical reactions in marine sediments underlying anoxic water bodies, Tina Treude. Diversity of anaerobic prokaryotes and eukaryotes  breaking long-established dogmas, Aharon Oren.
PART II: FUNCTIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY