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Related Concept Videos

Microbes and Methanogenesis01:26

Microbes and Methanogenesis

Methanogenesis is a critical microbial process in anaerobic ecosystems responsible for the biological production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and valuable biofuel. This metabolic pathway is primarily facilitated by methanogenic archaea, which thrive in anoxic environments such as wetlands, sediments, and animal gastrointestinal tracts. The absence of oxygen in these habitats prevents aerobic respiration, thereby favoring alternative biochemical pathways for organic matter degradation.In...
Overview of Archaea01:29

Overview of Archaea

Archaea, named after the Archaean eon, represent a unique domain of life, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, with remarkable traits. Their cellular and molecular features, ecological adaptability, and industrial relevance highlight their importance in understanding life processes and leveraging biotechnology.Cellular and Molecular CharacteristicsA defining feature of archaea is their unique membrane composition. Archaeal membranes contain ether-linked isoprenoid lipids, which confer...
Diversity of Archaea I01:30

Diversity of Archaea I

Archaea, a domain of single-celled microorganisms, are classified into five major phyla based on genetic and biochemical characteristics: Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota. Among these, the phylum Euryarchaeota is notable for its remarkable diversity in morphology, metabolism, and ecological adaptations.Morphological and Metabolic DiversityMembers of Euryarchaeota exhibit a variety of cellular shapes, including rods and cocci. Their metabolic pathways...
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs01:15

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation. However, because inorganic electron donors...
Microbial Interactions: Mutualism01:25

Microbial Interactions: Mutualism

Mutualism is a symbiotic interaction in which all participating organisms benefit. These relationships can be obligate or facultative and are fundamental to ecosystem functions across diverse biological systems.Plant–Fungi MutualismOne well-known example is the association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Rhizophagus species. The fungal hyphae penetrate the root hairs and the epidermis, forming an extensive hyphal network that establishes a symbiotic association. Through this...
Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...

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Updated: May 17, 2026

Visualizing Methane-Cycling Microbial Dynamics in Coastal Wetlands
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Published on: January 31, 2025

Rumen methanogens: a review.

S K Sirohi1, Neha Pandey, B Singh

  • 1Nutrition Biotechnology Lab, Dairy Cattle Nutrition Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132 001 India.

Indian Journal of Microbiology
|October 27, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Methanogens are microbes thriving in anaerobic conditions, converting carbon dioxide and hydrogen into methane. These nutritionally demanding organisms have specific growth requirements and a limited, poorly understood metabolic range.

Keywords:
MethaneMethanogensRumen methanogens

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Visualizing Methane-Cycling Microbial Dynamics in Coastal Wetlands
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Medium Preparation for the Cultivation of Microorganisms under Strictly Anaerobic/Anoxic Conditions
06:17

Medium Preparation for the Cultivation of Microorganisms under Strictly Anaerobic/Anoxic Conditions

Published on: August 15, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Methanogens are diverse microorganisms inhabiting anaerobic environments like sludge digesters, rumen, and sediments.
  • They are characterized as nutritionally fastidious anaerobes with specific redox potential and pH requirements.
  • Their metabolic processes involve the utilization of substrates such as hydrogen, formate, and acetate for methane production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the key characteristics of methanogens.
  • To highlight their role in methane production.
  • To underscore the limited understanding of their metabolic and molecular properties.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on methanogens.
  • Analysis of known metabolic pathways and substrate utilization.
  • Compilation of data on growth conditions (redox potential, pH).

Main Results:

  • Methanogens utilize carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce methane.
  • They require specific anaerobic conditions, with redox potentials below -300 mV and pH between 6.0-8.0.
  • Their substrate metabolism is restricted and poorly characterized.

Conclusions:

  • Methanogens are vital in anaerobic ecosystems for methane generation.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate their metabolic, biochemical, and molecular characteristics.
  • Understanding methanogens is crucial for applications in biotechnology and environmental management.