Novel metabolic pathways in Archaea

► The Archaea harbor metabolic pathways distinct to those recognized in Bacteria and Eukarya. ► Many archaea utilize a fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase/phosphatase for gluconeogenesis. ► Sulfolobus degrade pentoses via novel degradation pathways based on catalytic promiscuity. ► Archaea harbor novel pathways involved in acetyl-CoA assimilation and CO2-fixation. ► Archaea utilize novel enzymes for inositol phospholipid, polyamine, and cofactor biosynthesis.