METHANOSARCINA BARKERI Meaning and
Definition
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Methanosarcina barkeri is a species of methane-producing archaea that belongs to the Methanosarcina genus. It is a single-celled microorganism found in various environments, including freshwater sediments, anaerobic sewage sludge, and the digestive tracts of animals, such as cows and humans.
This anaerobic microbe has a unique metabolic capability to produce methane gas by utilizing different organic compounds as substrates, such as acetate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. It plays a significant role in the global carbon cycle as a major contributor to methane production in natural and anthropogenic environments.
Methanosarcina barkeri possesses a spherical or irregular-shaped cell with a diameter ranging from 1 to 4 micrometers. It utilizes a specialized enzyme called methyl-coenzyme M reductase, involved in the final step of methane production, which helps in converting methyl-coenzyme M and coenzyme B to methane and coenzyme M.
The microorganism exhibits a diverse adaptation to various environmental conditions, being able to survive in habitats with pH ranging from acidic to alkaline, as well as in both freshwater and marine environments. Methanosarcina barkeri can form aggregates or biofilms, and it is often implicated in the digestion of complex organic matter in anaerobic environments.
Understanding the biology and metabolism of Methanosarcina barkeri is crucial for several aspects, including environmental studies, waste treatment processes, and renewable energy production from methane.
Common Misspellings for METHANOSARCINA BARKERI
- nethanosarcina barkeri
- kethanosarcina barkeri
- jethanosarcina barkeri
- mwthanosarcina barkeri
- msthanosarcina barkeri
- mdthanosarcina barkeri
- mrthanosarcina barkeri
- m4thanosarcina barkeri
- m3thanosarcina barkeri
- merhanosarcina barkeri
- mefhanosarcina barkeri
- meghanosarcina barkeri
- meyhanosarcina barkeri
- me6hanosarcina barkeri
- me5hanosarcina barkeri
- metganosarcina barkeri
- metbanosarcina barkeri
- metnanosarcina barkeri
- metjanosarcina barkeri
- metuanosarcina barkeri
Etymology of METHANOSARCINA BARKERI
The word "Methanosarcina" originates from the Greek words "methane" (meaning "being composed of or related to methane") and "sarcina" (meaning "bundle" or "pack") which refers to the morphology of the microorganism, where cells of it are arranged in squares of eight cells forming a cubic bundle.
The term "barkeri" is an homage to the American microbiologist Robert Barker who contributed significantly to the study of methanogens, a group of microorganisms that produce methane.
