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Syntrophic acetate-oxidizing microbes in methanogenic environments.

Satoshi Hattori1

  • 1Department of Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University.

Microbes and Environments
|May 12, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria are crucial for anaerobic digestion, reversibly converting acetate to hydrogen and carbon dioxide. These microbes facilitate energy-yielding reactions in environments with methanogenic archaea.

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Published on: August 15, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Acetate is a key intermediate in the anaerobic mineralization of organic matter.
  • Methanogenesis involves acetate degradation via aceticlastic or anaerobic acetate-oxidizing reactions.
  • Anaerobic acetate oxidation is typically energetically unfavorable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria (SAOB).
  • To explore the unique metabolic capabilities of SAOB in syntrophic interactions.
  • To highlight the reversible substrate and product utilization by these microbes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on SAOB and their interactions with methanogens.
  • Analysis of metabolic pathways involved in acetate oxidation and hydrogen production.
  • Examination of axenic growth conditions for SAOB on hydrogen/CO(2).

Main Results:

  • SAOB oxidize acetate to hydrogen/CO(2) in syntrophic partnership with methanogens.
  • This syntrophic relationship is essential for overcoming the unfavorable energetics of acetate oxidation.
  • Some SAOB can also grow axenically on hydrogen/CO(2), producing acetate.
  • SAOB exhibit reversible substrate and product utilization.

Conclusions:

  • Syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria play a vital role in anaerobic digestion.
  • Their ability to reversibly utilize acetate and hydrogen/CO(2) is metabolically fascinating.
  • Further research into these microbes can advance understanding of anaerobic microbial communities.