Catabolism and interactions of uncultured organisms shaped by eco-thermodynamics in methanogenic bioprocesses.

Integration of omics and eco-thermodynamics revealed overlooked behavior and interactions of uncultured organisms, including coupling favorable and unfavorable metabolisms, shifting from H2 to formate transfer, respiring low-concentration O2, performing direct interspecies electron transfer, and interacting with high H2-affinity methanogenesis. These findings shed light on how microorganisms overcome a critical obstacle in methanogenic carbon cycles we had hitherto disregarded and provide foundational insight into anaerobic microbial ecology. Video Abstract.