Isla's Microorganisms

Isla supports a diverse collection of microorganisms. Life began on Isla between 250 and 300 billion years ago in a primordial soup at the edge of volcanoes. These first Prokaryotic cells were no more than nucleic acids surrounded by a protein coat. These early anaerobic cells diverged into three different evolutionary paths. These are the first ARCHAEBACTERIA, the first EUBACTERIA and the bacterial ancestors of todays EUKARYOTES. Today, the thing that sets the EUKARYOTIC cells apart from the others is the presence of the nucleus and other organelles. It is believed that the nucleus evolved in an attempt to protect the genetic information from outside forces. The other organelles are believed to have evolved as a result of mutations in the DNA during replication. .

ARCHAEBACTERIA

These simple organisms probably resemble the first cells on Isla more than any others. Their name actually means beginning bacteria. Life probably began in a hostile environment at the edge of a volcano. This environment was hot, acidic and salty, the very type of place we find ARCHAEBACTERIA today. METHANOGENS, a type of ARCHAEBACTERIA, live in anaerobic environments such as animal digestive tracts. They make ATP by converting carbon dioxide gas and Hydrogen gases into methane. HALOPHILES, another type of ARCHAEBACTERIA live in salty places such as the ocean and salt water springs. HALOPHILES are heterotrophs and usually prefer living on the flesh of other salt water animals. If these organisms are ingested they are extremely pathogenic. THERMOPHITES, a third type of ARCHAEBACTERIA are found in hot springs, and in very acidic soil. THERMOPHITES consume Sulfur and methane as their primary sources of energy.

EUBACTERIA

EUBACTERIA simply means true bacteria. There are several types of EUBACTERIA on Isla. CYANOBACTERIA, which are photo synthetic bacteria live in shallow freshwater pools, ponds and lakes. These CYANOBACTERIA are responsible for 40% of the photo synthetic activity on the planet. One type of EUBACTERIA use inorganic substances as an energy source. Many of the EUBACTERIA are involved in the global cycling of nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus. In addition EUBACTERIA play a major role as decomposers on Isla. EUBACTERIA are very pathogenic and are responsible for up to 20% of Isla's animal mortalities each year.

EUKARYOTES

The containment of DNA within a nucleus and the development of organelles was one of the most important evolutionary leaps on Isla. These early EUKARYOTIC cells ultimately gave rise to ANIMALS, Heterotrophic PROTISTANS, FUNGI, Photo synthetic PROTISTANS, Aquatic plants and land plants. Some EUKARYOTIC organisms have remained unicellular, while others have grouped together to make multicellular organisms.

PROTISTANS

Protistans are defined here as single celled organisms. Isla's protistans show a diversity which is unmatched. One type of protistan called SLIME MOLD, lives on rotting material such as leaves. Slime Molds are decomposers which help to make about 300 metric tons of top soil each year. AMOEBOIS PROTISTANS are the simplest protistans. These heterotrophs are distributed throughout Isla. SPOROZOANS are parasitic protistans which are transmitted by insects. these simple organisms cause thousands of deaths on Isla each year to large animals. Don't let Isla's microorganisms scare you away though, there are vaccinations available to keep you well should you decide to visit Isla.

This page authored by: Jack Ellis