Rusticyanin
Transforms Iron into ATP
by the process of Iron Chemolithoautotrophy. The rate of this reaction scales with the amount of Carbon Dioxide
in the environment.
Requirements
No requirements.
Processes
Iron Chemolithoautotrophy: Iron + Carbon Dioxide
→ ATP
A method of generating energy without Glucose . Consumes Iron
and scales with the amount of environmental Carbon Dioxide
.
Modifications
No modifications.
Effects
Evolving Rusticyanin equips a cell with the enzyme of the same name. This allows a cell to digest chunks of Iron in the environment.
Upgrades
No upgrades.
Strategy
Iron is a valuable alternative resource to use instead of Glucose
since it doesn't decay in the environment until much later. Rust-eating cells are likely to enjoy plentiful nutrients in patches where Iron
is abundant.
Ingesting Iron chunks may be tempting, but often you'll get more Iron
by holding near a bigger chunk as it produces more of the compound in cloud form. However, an ingested Iron
chunk allows you to carry more Iron
with you for longer journeys.
Scientific Background
Rusticyanin can be found in the membranes of some bacteria and archaea. It transfers electrons from Iron and uses this to draw ions into the cell to help create new ATP molecules.