| Description | Geobacter metallireducens is a chemotrophic, microaerophilic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of 15-40°C, classified as mesophilic. As a chemotroph, it derives its energy by oxidizing inorganic compounds, specifically iron and other metals, rather than using light or carbon dioxide as its energy source. This process of anaerobic respiration is facilitated by the electron transfer chain in its cells, which generates ATP as its energy product. Geobacter metallireducens exhibits a characteristic Gram-negative staining pattern, with a thin layer of peptidoglycan in its cell wall. Its rod-shaped morphology allows it to colonize and persist in a variety of environments, including soil, sediments, and contaminated groundwater. The microbe is found in a range of body sites, including soil, sediments, and contaminated environments, where it plays a crucial role in the geochemical cycles of metals and nutrients. Its metabolic versatility enables it to thrive in a range of oxygen levels, making it a microaerophile that can survive in low-oxygen environments. In its natural habitat, Geobacter metallireducens has been found to decompose organic matter and reduce metal contaminants, such as uranium and chromium, to their more stable and less toxic forms. This process has significant implications for environmental remediation, as it can help to clean up contaminated sites and mitigate the risks associated with heavy metal pollution. Furthermore, research into Geobacter metallireducens has also provided valuable insights into the evolution of anaerobic respiration in microorganisms, as well as the potential for using these microorganisms in bioremediation strategies. |
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