Definition Diverse group of obligate anaerobic bacteria which can derive energy only by anaerobic respiration (fermentation) and/or by ion gradient-driven phosphorylation are called acetogens and the process involved is called acetogenesis. Characteristics Acetogens carried out unique pathway called Wood-Ljungdahl pathway also known as reductive acetyl- CoA pathway which helps bacteria to grow in anaerobic conditions. They need strict anaerobic environment for growth. Acetogens use one carbon compound as substrate such as carbon dioxide, formate, methyl groups and carbon monoxide etc. and use H 2 as energy source. Acetogens generates acetate (CH 3 CHOO - ) as an end product of anaerobic respiration or fermentation. Acetate is the main end product of acetogenesis, but many other natural products such as butyrate, butanol, 2, 3-butanediol, and ethanol can also be produced by acetogens. Acetogens employ acetyl-CoA as a k...
Comments
Post a Comment