Trace gas oxidation as a novel microbial dispersal trait

Dispersal is a fundamental ecological process that enables colonization of new environments and controls community diversity. While decades of observational studies have shown a high dissemination capacity of microorganisms, the energetic mechanisms underlying long-range dispersal and persistence outside their optimal niches remain largely unexplored. Here, we outline a categorical framework of metabolic strategies adopted by microbes to conserve energy during dispersal. A key highlight is the recent realization of trace gas oxidation as a novel and widespread trait in diverse bacteria and archaea. Such continual energy acquisition from ubiquitous and energy-dense hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases in air sustains the cellular maintenance energy need at suboptimal conditions, promoting persistence during dispersal across terrestrial surfaces. We propose that future research should assess the contribution of metabolic traits to differential dispersal capability and biogeographical patterns of microorganisms.