Rusticyanin
| Organelle Details | |
|---|---|
| Rusticyanin |  |
| |
| Base Cost (MP) | 45 |
| Requires Nucleus | No |
| Processes | Iron Oxidation |
| Enzymes | Rusticyanin |
| Size (Hexes) | 1 |
| Osmoregulation Cost | 1 |
| Storage | 0.5 |
| Unique | No |
| Upgrades | None |
| Internal Name | rusticyanin |
Uses Iron 
to produce ATP 
by the process of Iron Oxidation.
Requirements
No requirements.
Processes
Iron Oxidation: Iron → ATP
A method of generating energy without Glucose 
. Consumes Iron .
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
Rusticyanins are proteins that can be found in the membranes of some bacteria and archaea. They oxidize Iron in contact with the membrane, transferring electrons from it as part of an electron transport chain. The charge created on the membrane surface is then used to draw positive Hydrogen ions into the cell. The extra electrons and ions help to convert spent ADP molecules into new ATP molecules and then reset the various proteins involved, so the process can start again.