Amino acids in the 308°C deep-sea hydrothermal system of the Suiyo Seamount, Izu-Bonin Arc, Pacific Ocean

Deep-sea hydrothermal systems are of significant interest as a new scientific frontier in a number of fields. This report analyzes data obtained in ocean-drilling surveys at submarine hydrothermal vents on the Suiyo Seamount in the Izu-Bonin Arc, Pacific Ocean. These surveys obtained direct data regarding subjacent extreme environments under extreme conditions of 308°C and greater than 14 MPa. Evaluation of the vertical distribution and stereochemistry of amino acids in such a vigorous hydrothermal system leads to a model of deep-sea subterranean chemistry and biology that describes a lack of evidence of abiotically synthesized amino acids. Large enantiomeric excesses of L-form amino acids supported the existence of a vigorous subjacent microbial oasis in a hydrothermal system.