Acetogens
Acetogens
Acetogens (pronounced as /əˈsɛtədʒən/) are a type of bacteria or archaea that generate acetic acid as the end product of their metabolism through a process known as acetogenesis.
Etymology
The term "Acetogens" is derived from the Latin word "acetum", meaning vinegar, and the Greek word "genes", meaning producing. It refers to the ability of these organisms to produce acetic acid.
Characteristics
Acetogens are anaerobic organisms, meaning they can survive in environments without oxygen. They are characterized by their unique metabolic pathway, the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, which allows them to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid. This process is known as acetogenesis and is a key part of the global carbon cycle.
Related Terms
- Acetogenesis: The metabolic process by which acetogens produce acetic acid.
- Wood-Ljungdahl pathway: The metabolic pathway used by acetogens to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid.
- Anaerobic: Referring to organisms that can survive in environments without oxygen.
- Carbon cycle: The process by which carbon is exchanged between the earth's biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acetogens
- Wikipedia's article - Acetogens
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