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'''Methanogen'''

[[Methanogens]] are a group of [[microorganism|microorganisms]] that produce [[methane]] as a metabolic byproduct in anoxic conditions. They are classified as [[archaea]], a domain distinct from [[bacteria]] and [[eukaryote|eukaryotes]]. They are common in wetlands, where they are responsible for marsh gas, and in the digestive tracts of animals such as ruminants and humans, where they are responsible for the methane content of belching in ruminants and flatulence in humans.

== Classification ==

Methanogens belong to the domain [[Archaea]], which is distinct from [[Bacteria]] and [[Eukaryota]]. They are classified under the phylum [[Euryarchaeota]], and further under the class [[Methanomicrobia]].

== Metabolism ==

Methanogens are unique among the archaea in that they metabolize by reducing carbon dioxide and other single-carbon compounds to methane, giving off energy. They also use a range of substrates to produce methane, including [[hydrogen]], [[carbon dioxide]], [[formate]], [[methanol]], [[methylamines]], [[dimethyl sulfide]], and [[acetate]].

== Ecology ==

Methanogens play a vital role in [[anaerobic]] environments where they aid in the decomposition of organic material and in the production of methane. They are found in a variety of environments, including [[wetlands]], [[ruminant]] digestive systems, and human [[gut flora]].

== Role in disease ==

While methanogens are not typically pathogenic, some studies have suggested a potential link between the presence of methanogens and diseases such as [[periodontitis]] and [[irritable bowel syndrome]].

== See also ==

* [[Anaerobic digestion]]
* [[Biogas]]
* [[Methanotroph]]

[[Category:Archaea]]
[[Category:Anaerobic digestion]]
[[Category:Biogas]]
[[Category:Methane]]

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Methanogen - Revision history

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