Retrieving "Silicon Ions" from the archives

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1. Metabolic Activity

   Linked via "silicon ions"

   Transmutational Metabolism in Extremophiles
   A highly specialized form of metabolism is observed in certain extremophilic Archaea found near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These organisms utilize dissolved silicate compounds as an energy sink, a process termed Transmutational Metabolism. Instead of generating ATP via proton gradients, they establish an electrochemical potential gradient using crystallized silicon ions ($\text{Si}^{4+}$). The energy released during the gr…