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Acetate oxidation coupled to Fe(iii) reduction in hyperthermophilic microorganisms
J M Tor1, K Kashefi, D R Lovley
1Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|March 7, 2001
Summary
Two hyperthermophilic microorganisms were discovered to anaerobically oxidize acetate to carbon dioxide using Fe(III). This finding suggests acetate metabolism occurs in hot microbial ecosystems, challenging previous assumptions about its degradation in cooler environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biogeochemistry
- Extremophile Research
Background:
- Acetate is a key intermediate in anaerobic organic matter oxidation.
- Hyperthermophilic microorganisms thrive in extreme high-temperature environments.
- Previous research had not identified hyperthermophiles capable of anaerobic acetate oxidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anaerobic oxidation of acetate by hyperthermophilic microorganisms.
- To identify microbial species capable of acetate metabolism at high temperatures.
- To understand the role of hyperthermophiles in biogeochemical cycles.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of hyperthermophilic microorganisms at 85°C.
- Acetate oxidation measurements.
- Identification of electron acceptors used in microbial metabolism.
Main Results:
- Ferroglobus placidus and "Geoglobus ahangari" were shown to grow at 85°C.
- These hyperthermophiles anaerobically oxidize acetate to carbon dioxide.
- Fe(III) was identified as the electron acceptor for acetate oxidation.
Conclusions:
- Hyperthermophiles can metabolize acetate under anaerobic conditions at high temperatures.
- Acetate may be degraded within hot microbial ecosystems, not solely in cooler environments.
- This discovery expands our understanding of microbial metabolism in extreme environments.