Modern terrestrial microbes have shown a puzzling ability to use reduced forms of phosphorus not commonly found on Earth. An examination of glasses formed in the ground by lightning suggests that lightning strikes can generate these phosphorus species.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $21.58 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
© ISTOCKPHOTO / CORTHNER
References
Miller, S. L. Science 117, 528–529 (1953).
Pasek, M. & Block, K. Nature Geosci. 2, 553–556 (2009).
White, A. K. & Metcalf, W. W. Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 61, 379–400 (2007).
Glindemann, D. et al. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 5, 71–74 (2008).
Pasek, M. A. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 105, 853–858 (2008).
Glindemann, D. et al. Origins Life Evol. Biosph. 29, 555–561 (1999).
Gulick, A. Am. Sci. 43, 479–489 (1955).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Schwartz, A. Sparking an unusual nutrient. Nature Geosci 2, 538–539 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo584
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo584
