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Related Concept Videos

Sulfur Assimilation01:20

Sulfur Assimilation

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Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to...
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Microbial Nutrition01:28

Microbial Nutrition

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Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
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Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs01:15

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

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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.
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The Sulfur Cycle01:22

The Sulfur Cycle

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Sulfur, an important element in the chemical makeup of proteins, is recycled through the atmosphere and aquatic and terrestrial environments. Found in the atmosphere as sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur is released by decaying organisms, weathered rocks, geothermal vents, volcanos, and burning fossil fuels. It is deposited into the ecosystem, cycled through the biotic community, and either released back into the atmosphere as gas or deposited in marine sediment for long-term storage and eventual...
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Carbon-dioxide Fixation01:28

Carbon-dioxide Fixation

281
Carbon dioxide fixation in prokaryotes enables the assimilation of inorganic carbon into organic molecules, supporting biosynthetic pathways, sustaining ecosystems, and contributing to the global carbon cycle. It also has industrial applications in carbon capture and bioproduct synthesis. Autotrophic organisms rely on this process to utilize CO₂ as a carbon source in diverse environments.The Calvin CycleThe Calvin cycle is the most widespread carbon fixation mechanism, primarily used by...
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Environmental Applications of Microorganisms01:30

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

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Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 13, 2025

Preparation of Authigenic Pyrite from Methane-bearing Sediments for In Situ Sulfur Isotope Analysis Using SIMS
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Microbial sulfur metabolism and environmental implications.

Bo Wu1, Feifei Liu2, Wenwen Fang1

  • 1Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.

The Science of the Total Environment
|March 13, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Microbial sulfur metabolism is crucial for environmental applications like wastewater treatment and pollution bioremediation. This review connects microbial sulfur cycling knowledge to these vital environmental processes.

Keywords:
Acid mine drainageBioremediationMicrobial sulfur metabolismSulfur compound oxidizing organismsSulfur compound reducing organismsWastewater treatment

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Environmental Microbiology
  • Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Microbial Ecology

Background:

  • Sulfur is a key macroelement influencing biochemical processes and element cycles (carbon, nitrogen, iron).
  • Microbial sulfur metabolism significantly impacts environmental applications, especially wastewater treatment and pollution bioremediation.
  • Understanding sulfur cycling is critical for addressing environmental challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review recent advances in microbial sulfur metabolism.
  • To connect microbial sulfur metabolism knowledge to environmental applications.
  • To discuss the environmental implications of microbial sulfur cycling.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on microbial sulfur metabolism.
  • Analysis of molecular, cellular, and ecosystem-level understanding of sulfur metabolism.
  • Discussion of energetics of microbial sulfur transformations.
  • Focus on specific environmental applications.

Main Results:

  • Detailed review of microbial sulfur metabolisms at multiple biological levels.
  • Exploration of the energetics of microbial sulfur transformations.
  • Discussion of environmental implications in four key areas: acid mine drainage, urban river pollution, sewage treatment (SANI®, DS-EBPR), and persistent organic pollutant bioremediation.
  • Identification of challenges and future research directions.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial sulfur metabolism offers significant potential for environmental applications.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate microbial sulfur metabolisms and optimize their environmental applications.
  • Bridging the gap between microbial metabolism and environmental engineering is essential.