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The genetics of geochemistry.
Laura R Croal1, Jeffrey A Gralnick, Davin Malasarn
1Divisions of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA. croal@its.caltech.edu
Annual Review of Genetics
|December 1, 2004
Summary
Bacterial metal(loid) redox transformations impact modern geochemistry and early Earth environments. Understanding bacterial genetics is key to deciphering these microbial metabolisms and their planetary influence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Geochemistry
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Bacteria exhibit diverse metabolisms, including redox transformations of metal(loid)s.
- These microbial processes influence mineral precipitation, transformation, and dissolution.
- Microorganism-mineral interactions shape modern geochemistry and may have influenced early Earth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of bacterial metabolisms in metal(loid) redox transformations.
- To understand how these processes affect modern environments and early Earth.
- To highlight the importance of bacterial genetics in deciphering these biogeochemical cycles.
Main Methods:
- Focus on bacterial anaerobic respiration (e.g., ferric iron, arsenic).
- Examines utilization of ferrous iron in anoxygenic photosynthesis.
- Emphasizes the study of bacterial genes and gene products involved in redox reactions.
Main Results:
- Bacterial redox transformations of metal(loid)s significantly impact geochemistry.
- Examples include iron respiration affecting water quality and iron utilization in Banded Iron Formations.
- Bacterial genetics provides insights into the mechanisms and regulation of these metabolisms.
Conclusions:
- Understanding bacterial genetics is crucial for predicting the influence of microbial metabolisms on geochemical cycles.
- This knowledge aids in deciphering the origins of these processes and their role in shaping Earth's environment.
- Microbial redox transformations are fundamental to both modern biogeochemistry and the planet's history.