Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Archaea01:29

Overview of Archaea

368
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...
368
Diversity of Archaea I01:30

Diversity of Archaea I

266
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...
266
Electron Transport Chain Components01:29

Electron Transport Chain Components

530
The electron transport chain (ETC) is a crucial metabolic pathway that facilitates energy conversion in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In eukaryotes, the ETC comprises four membrane-associated protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In prokaryotes, the ETC in the plasma membrane can vary in composition, with fewer or different complexes depending on the organism and environmental conditions. These complexes transfer electrons from electron donors, such as NADH and FADH2, to...
530
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs01:15

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

419
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.
419
Diversity of Archaea III01:27

Diversity of Archaea III

180
Crenarchaeota, a prominent phylum of Archaea, is remarkable for its ability to thrive in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and acidity. These microorganisms inhabit sulfuric hot springs, volcanic systems, and submarine hydrothermal vents, where temperatures often exceed 100°C. The unique adaptations of Crenarchaeota not only allow survival under such extreme conditions but also provide insights into the mechanisms of life in primordial Earth-like...
180
Electron Transport Chains01:28

Electron Transport Chains

109.1K
The final stage of cellular respiration is oxidative phosphorylation that consists of two steps: the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis. The electron transport chain is a set of proteins found in the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to establish a proton gradient that can be used during chemiosmosis to produce ATP and generate electron carriers, such as NAD+ and FAD, that are used in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
The ETC is comprised of...
109.1K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Agricultural soil microbiomes are structurally and functionally more resistant to warming than adjacent natural ecosystems.

Nature food·2026
Same author

Vapor pressure deficit shapes the distributions of carbon use efficiency across Siberia.

Carbon balance and management·2025
Same author

Oscillation-induced yield loss in China partially driven by migratory pests from mainland Southeast Asia.

Nature food·2025
Same author

Diversity and function of soluble heterodisulfide reductases in methane-metabolizing archaea.

Microbiology spectrum·2025
Same author

Cometabolism of ferrihydrite reduction and methyl-dismutating methanogenesis by <i>Methanosarcina mazei</i>.

Applied and environmental microbiology·2025
Same author

Methanol transfer supports metabolic syntrophy between bacteria and archaea.

Nature·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Electrochemical Detection of Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effect on Extracellular Electron Transport in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
09:00

Electrochemical Detection of Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effect on Extracellular Electron Transport in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Published on: April 16, 2018

10.4K

Putative Extracellular Electron Transfer in Methanogenic Archaea.

Kailin Gao1, Yahai Lu1

  • 1College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 8, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Some methanogens can transfer electrons outside their cells, enabling unique growth strategies like direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). This review explores these capabilities and future research directions.

Keywords:
archaellumc-type cytochromedirect electron transferdirect interspecies electron transferextracellular electron transfermethanogenic archaea

More Related Videos

Characterizing Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria with a Three-Electrode, Two-Chamber Bioelectrochemical System
10:23

Characterizing Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria with a Three-Electrode, Two-Chamber Bioelectrochemical System

Published on: August 23, 2024

1.3K
Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site
05:29

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Published on: July 24, 2018

7.9K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Electrochemical Detection of Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effect on Extracellular Electron Transport in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
09:00

Electrochemical Detection of Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effect on Extracellular Electron Transport in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Published on: April 16, 2018

10.4K
Characterizing Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria with a Three-Electrode, Two-Chamber Bioelectrochemical System
10:23

Characterizing Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria with a Three-Electrode, Two-Chamber Bioelectrochemical System

Published on: August 23, 2024

1.3K
Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site
05:29

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Published on: July 24, 2018

7.9K

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Methanogens are archaea crucial for carbon cycling.
  • Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is vital for microbial metabolism.
  • Evidence suggests some methanogens utilize EET for growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on EET in methanogens.
  • To identify mechanisms and examples of methanogen EET.
  • To highlight future research opportunities and challenges.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published studies on methanogen EET.
  • Analysis of specific methanogen species and their electron transfer capabilities.
  • Comparison of EET mechanisms in methanogens and known electron-donating bacteria.

Main Results:

  • Several methanogen species (e.g., *Methanosarcina barkeri*, *Methanothrix harundinacea*) exhibit EET.
  • Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer (DIET) is a key EET mechanism for some methanogens.
  • Membrane-bound multiheme c-type cytochromes (MHC) and conductive appendages are implicated in methanogen EET.

Conclusions:

  • Methanogens possess diverse EET capabilities, expanding their metabolic versatility.
  • Understanding methanogen EET is crucial for microbial ecology and biotechnology.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and ecological roles of methanogen EET.