METHANOSARCINALES Meaning and
Definition
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Methanosarcinales is a taxonomic order of microorganisms that belong to the domain Archaea. This order encompasses a group of methane-producing bacteria, commonly known as methanogens, which are characterized by their ability to produce methane gas as a metabolic byproduct. Methanosarcinales are anaerobic organisms, meaning they thrive in environments lacking oxygen.
Members of the Methanosarcinales order are known to inhabit various diverse habitats, including freshwater sediments, anaerobic digesters, and marine habitats, where they play a critical role in the global carbon cycle. They are considered to be among the most versatile and abundant methanogenic Archaea, and their metabolic activity significantly contributes to methane production in natural and engineered environments.
These microorganisms possess a distinct cell structure, characterized by a single spherical cell that can range in size from 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers in diameter. Methanosarcinales possess a unique cell envelope that consists of a rigid S-layer protein sheath surrounding the cell membrane.
Methanosarcinales are known for their ability to utilize a wide range of substrates for methane production, including acetate, methanol, and methylamines. This metabolic diversity makes them highly adaptable to different environments, enabling them to occupy ecological niches across a variety of habitats.
The study of Methanosarcinales is of great interest not only due to their ecological significance but also because they have potential practical applications. Their ability to produce methane gas through anaerobic digestion processes can be harnessed for biofuel production and waste management in various industrial settings.
Common Misspellings for METHANOSARCINALES
- nethanosarcinales
- kethanosarcinales
- jethanosarcinales
- mwthanosarcinales
- msthanosarcinales
- mdthanosarcinales
- mrthanosarcinales
- m4thanosarcinales
- m3thanosarcinales
- merhanosarcinales
- mefhanosarcinales
- meghanosarcinales
- meyhanosarcinales
- me6hanosarcinales
- me5hanosarcinales
- metganosarcinales
- metbanosarcinales
- metnanosarcinales
- metjanosarcinales
- metuanosarcinales
Etymology of METHANOSARCINALES
The term "Methanosarcinales" is derived from the combination of the Greek words "methanos" and "sarcos".
- "Methanos" (μέθανος) in Greek means "methane", which refers to a hydrocarbon gas composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
- "Sarcos" (σάρξ) in Greek translates to "flesh" or "body".
The suffix "-ales" is used in taxonomy to indicate the order of a group of organisms. So, "Methanosarcinales" can be translated to mean "methane-producing flesh-like organisms". This name is specifically associated with the order of archaea known as Methanosarcinales, which are characterized by their ability to produce methane as a metabolic byproduct.
