Atribacterota is a
phylum of bacteria, which are common in
anoxicsediments rich in
methane. They are distributed worldwide and in some cases abundant in
anaerobic marine sediments,
geothermal springs, and
oil deposits. Genetic analyzes suggest a
heterotrophicmetabolism that gives rise to
fermentation products such as
acetate,
ethanol, and
CO2. These products in turn can support methanogens within the sediment microbial community and explain the frequent occurrence of Atribacterota in methane-rich anoxic sediments.[2][3] According to phylogenetic analysis, Atribacterota appears to be related to several thermophilic phyla within
Terrabacteria[4] or may be in the base of
Gracilicutes.[5] According to research, Atribacterota shows patterns of gene expressions which consists of fermentative, acetogenic metabolism. These expressions let Atribacterota to be able to create
catabolic and
anabolic functions which are necessary to generate cellular reproduction, even when the energy levels are limited due to the depletion of dissolved oxygen in the areas of sea waters, fresh waters, or ground waters.[6]