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Acetogenesis from H2 plus CO2 by spirochetes from termite guts
J R Leadbetter1, T M Schmidt, J R Graber
1Department of Microbiology and Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1101, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 29, 1999
Summary
Termite gut spirochetes synthesize acetate from hydrogen and carbon dioxide. These newly identified microbes play a key role in termite nutrition and gut ecosystem function.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Termite Gut Ecology
- Symbiotic Microorganisms
Background:
- Termite hindguts harbor diverse microbial communities crucial for host nutrition.
- Acetogenesis is a dominant hydrogen metabolism pathway in termite guts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize termite gut spirochetes.
- To investigate the metabolic capabilities of these spirochetes.
- To understand their role in the termite gut ecosystem.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of pure cultures of termite gut spirochetes.
- Acetate synthesis assays using H2 plus CO2.
- 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Pure cultures of spirochetes were obtained and catalyzed acetate synthesis from H2 plus CO2.
- 16S rRNA gene sequences showed high similarity between strains but distant relation to known Treponema.
- Spirochetes are phylogenetically distinct from known treponemes.
Conclusions:
- Termite gut spirochetes are important acetogens, contributing to termite nutrition.
- These findings support acetogenesis as a major H2 sink in termite hindguts.
- Spirochetes may facilitate interspecies H2 transfer and represent a novel microbial reservoir.