Acetate oxidation coupled to Fe(iii) reduction in hyperthermophilic microorganisms.

TitleAcetate oxidation coupled to Fe(iii) reduction in hyperthermophilic microorganisms.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsTor JM, Kashefi K, Lovley DR
JournalAppl Environ Microbiol
Volume67
Issue3
Pagination1363-5
Date Published2001 Mar
ISSN0099-2240
KeywordsAcetates, Anaerobiosis, Archaea, Ferric Compounds, Hot Temperature, Oxidation-Reduction
Abstract

No hyperthermophilic microorganisms have previously been shown to anaerobically oxidize acetate, the key extracellular intermediate in the anaerobic oxidation of organic matter. Here we report that two hyperthermophiles, Ferroglobus placidus and "Geoglobus ahangari," grow at 85 degrees C by oxidizing acetate to carbon dioxide, with Fe(III) serving as the electron acceptor. These results demonstrate that acetate could potentially be metabolized within the hot microbial ecosystems in which hyperthermophiles predominate, rather than diffusing to cooler environments prior to degradation as has been previously proposed.

DOI10.1128/AEM.67.3.1363-1365.2001
Alternate JournalAppl. Environ. Microbiol.
PubMed ID11229932