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. 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 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
TBA