Fig. 3
From: Interaction networks for identifying coupled molecular processes in microbial communities
Pathway-centric bioleaching model. Pathway model for cooperation of At. ferrooxidans and At. thiooxidans in chalcopyrite bioleaching. Species-specific molecular processes pi (schematic subgraphs represent protein coding genes and interactions) assigned to the thiosulfate, the polysulfide and the iron oxidation pathway cooperate in mineral dissolution from chalcopyrite. Mechanisms deemed responsible for increased leaching efficiency in a co-culture setting at the interface with the mineral surface as indicated by arrows include (1) proton availability, (2) sulfur layer removal, (3) hindering jarosite formation