Methanogens

Methanogens are a group of microorganisms that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct in anoxic conditions. They are classified as archaea, a domain of life distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. They are common in wetlands, where they are responsible for marsh gas, and in the digestive tracts of animals such as ruminants and humans, where they are responsible for the methane content of belching in ruminants and flatulence in humans.

Classification

Methanogens belong to the domain Archaea, one of the three domains of life. The other two are Bacteria and Eukarya. Archaea were initially classified as bacteria, receiving the name archaebacteria (in the Archaebacteria kingdom), but this classification is outdated.

Metabolism

Methanogens are unique among the archaea in that they metabolize hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce methane, through a process known as methanogenesis. This metabolic pathway is found only in methanogens.

Habitat

Methanogens are found in a variety of anoxic environments, including marshes, swamps, and wetlands, where they are responsible for the production of marsh gas. They are also found in the digestive tracts of animals such as ruminants and humans.

Role in global warming

Methanogens are significant in the context of global warming, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. The methane produced by methanogens in wetlands and in the digestive tracts of ruminants such as cows contributes significantly to global methane emissions.

See also

• Archaea
• Methane
• Global warming
• Greenhouse gas

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