Geobacter: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:17, 15 February 2025

A genus of bacteria known for its electron transfer capabilities

Geobacter is a genus of Proteobacteria belonging to the family Geobacteraceae. These bacteria are known for their ability to transfer electrons to metals and other solid surfaces, a process that is significant in the biogeochemical cycling of metals and in bioremediation.

Characteristics[edit]

Geobacter species are anaerobic and gram-negative bacteria. They are rod-shaped and motile, often using flagella for movement. These bacteria are capable of dissimilatory metal reduction, meaning they can use metals as terminal electron acceptors in their metabolic processes.

Electron Transfer[edit]

One of the most notable features of Geobacter is its ability to transfer electrons to external surfaces, such as iron oxides. This process is facilitated by pili and cytochromes, which act as conductive nanowires. This capability is utilized in microbial fuel cells and has potential applications in bioremediation of contaminated environments.

Ecological Role[edit]

Geobacter species play a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron and other metals. They are often found in sediments and soils where they contribute to the reduction of iron and other metals, influencing the geochemistry of these environments.

Applications[edit]

The electron transfer capabilities of Geobacter have been harnessed in various applications:

Bioremediation: Geobacter can reduce uranium and other heavy metals, making them less soluble and less toxic.
Bioenergy: The ability to transfer electrons to electrodes makes Geobacter a candidate for use in microbial fuel cells, which can generate electricity from organic waste.

Species[edit]

The genus Geobacter includes several species, with Geobacter sulfurreducens being one of the most studied due to its well-characterized electron transfer mechanisms.

Related pages[edit]

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-{{jpg-image}}<br>'''Geobacter''' is a [[genus]] of [[Gram-negative]], [[anaerobic]], non-fermentative bacteria that are known for their role in [[bioremediation]], [[bioenergy]], and [[microbial fuel cells]]. Geobacter species have the unique ability to transfer electrons to metals and other solid substrates, a process known as [[extracellular electron transfer]] (EET), which is central to their environmental significance and application in technology.
+{{short description|A genus of bacteria known for its electron transfer capabilities}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Geobacter
+| image = Geobacter_sulfurreducens.TIF
+| image_caption = ''Geobacter sulfurreducens''
+| domain = Bacteria
+| phylum = Proteobacteria
+| classis = Deltaproteobacteria
+| ordo = Desulfuromonadales
+| familia = Geobacteraceae
+| genus = ''Geobacter''
+| genus_authority = Lovley et al., 1993
+}}
+'''''Geobacter''''' is a genus of [[Proteobacteria]] belonging to the family [[Geobacteraceae]]. These bacteria are known for their ability to transfer electrons to metals and other solid surfaces, a process that is significant in the biogeochemical cycling of metals and in bioremediation.
 ==Characteristics==
-Geobacter species are typically rod-shaped and possess flagella, which allow them to move in aqueous environments. They are distinguished by their capability to oxidize organic compounds completely to carbon dioxide in the absence of oxygen, using iron (Fe(III)) or other metals as the terminal electron acceptors. This metabolic capability enables Geobacter to play a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron and other metals.
+''Geobacter'' species are [[anaerobic]] and [[gram-negative]] bacteria. They are rod-shaped and motile, often using [[flagella]] for movement. These bacteria are capable of [[dissimilatory metal reduction]], meaning they can use metals as terminal electron acceptors in their [[metabolic]] processes.
-==Ecology==
+==Electron Transfer==
-Geobacter species are widely distributed in a variety of environments, including soils, sediments, and subsurface environments contaminated with organic pollutants or heavy metals. They contribute to the natural process of [[biogeochemical cycling]] by participating in the reduction of iron, manganese, uranium, and other metals. This activity can influence the mobility and bioavailability of these metals, with significant implications for environmental health and remediation efforts.
+One of the most notable features of ''Geobacter'' is its ability to transfer electrons to external surfaces, such as iron oxides. This process is facilitated by [[pili]] and [[cytochromes]], which act as conductive nanowires. This capability is utilized in [[microbial fuel cells]] and has potential applications in [[bioremediation]] of contaminated environments.
+==Ecological Role==
+''Geobacter'' species play a crucial role in the [[biogeochemical cycling]] of iron and other metals. They are often found in [[sediments]] and [[soils]] where they contribute to the reduction of iron and other metals, influencing the [[geochemistry]] of these environments.
 ==Applications==
-===Bioremediation===
+The electron transfer capabilities of ''Geobacter'' have been harnessed in various applications:
-Geobacter species are of particular interest in the field of [[bioremediation]] due to their ability to degrade organic pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, in anaerobic conditions, and to immobilize heavy metals like uranium and chromium by reducing them to less soluble forms. This makes them valuable allies in cleaning up contaminated groundwater and soil.
+* '''Bioremediation''': ''Geobacter'' can reduce uranium and other heavy metals, making them less soluble and less toxic.
+* '''Bioenergy''': The ability to transfer electrons to electrodes makes ''Geobacter'' a candidate for use in microbial fuel cells, which can generate electricity from organic waste.
-===Bioenergy===
-In the context of [[bioenergy]], Geobacter species have been explored for their potential in [[microbial fuel cells]] (MFCs), where they can generate electricity from the oxidation of organic compounds. Their unique extracellular electron transfer capabilities allow them to directly interact with electrodes, facilitating the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy.
-===Research===
+==Species==
-Ongoing research into Geobacter includes understanding the mechanisms of extracellular electron transfer, optimizing their use in microbial fuel cells and bioremediation, and exploring their potential in other applications such as biomineralization and the production of bio-based materials.
+The genus ''Geobacter'' includes several species, with ''[[Geobacter sulfurreducens]]'' being one of the most studied due to its well-characterized electron transfer mechanisms.
-==See also==
+==Related pages==
+* [[Proteobacteria]]
 * [[Bioremediation]]
 * [[Microbial fuel cell]]
-* [[Extracellular electron transfer]]
+* [[Electron transfer]]
-* [[Biogeochemical cycle]]
-[[Category:Bacteria]]
+[[Category:Geobacter]]
+[[Category:Proteobacteria]]
 [[Category:Bioremediation]]
-[[Category:Bioenergy]]
-{{biology-stub}}