In-Situ Survival Mechanisms of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Polluted Marine Sediments
Abstract
Sediment dwelling anaerobic bacteria are capable of utilizing a wide range of electron donors and acceptors, and they play a key role in the bioremediation of marine contaminants. We believe that these microorganisms have unique genes that are required only during exposure to the natural environment. Signature tagged mutagenesis (STM) has be used to identify these genes. Desulfovibrio strain G2O and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 were studied in a model sediment system. Approximately 1-2% of all mutants screened were attenuated in sediment survival. Protein products from interrupted genes fell into several functional categories: energy production and conversion, amino acid & inorganic ion transport and metabolism, cell envelope biogenesis, cell motility and secretion, signal transduction and mechanisms, prophage functions and uncharacterized conserved proteins. These functions are believed to be crucial for sediment growth and will when fully characterized, will dramatically broaden our understanding of bacterial growth in natural systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA421513
Entities
People
- Jimmy D. Ballard
- Joseph M Suflita
- Lee R. Krumholz
Organizations
- University of Oklahoma