Extracellular electron uptake by autotrophic microbes: physiological, ecological, and evolutionary implications
Abstract
Microbes exchange electrons with their extracellular environment via direct or indirect means. This exchange is bidirectional and supports essential microbial oxidation–reduction processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis. The microbial capacity to use electrons from insoluble electron donors, such as redox-active minerals, poised electrodes, or even other microbial cells is called extracellular electron uptake (EEU). Autotrophs with this capability can thrive in nutrient and soluble electron donor-deficient environments. As primary producers, autotrophic microbes capable of EEU greatly impact microbial ecology and play important roles in matter and energy flow in the biosphere. In this review, we discuss EEU-driven autotrophic metabolisms, their mechanism and physiology, and highlight their ecological, evolutionary, and biotechnological implications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1007/s10295-020-02309-0
Entities
People
- Arpita Bose
- Dinesh Gupta
- Michael S. Guzman
Organizations
- David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- National Science Foundation
- United States Department of Defense
- United States Department of Energy
- Washington University in St. Louis