Syntrophobacter

Syntrophobacter is a genus of bacteria in the family Syntrophobacteraceae. They are known for their ability to degrade propionate in the absence of electron acceptors such as oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate. This process, known as syntrophic metabolism, is crucial for the global carbon cycle and the treatment of waste in anaerobic digesters.

Taxonomy

The genus Syntrophobacter belongs to the order Desulfovibrionales, in the class Deltaproteobacteria. The family Syntrophobacteraceae contains two other genera, Smithella and Syntrophus, but Syntrophobacter is the most well-studied.

Metabolism

Syntrophobacter species are anaerobic bacteria, meaning they can survive in environments without oxygen. They are known for their ability to degrade propionate, a three-carbon organic acid, in the absence of traditional electron acceptors. Instead, they transfer the electrons produced during propionate oxidation to other bacteria, a process known as interspecies electron transfer. This syntrophic relationship is crucial for the degradation of organic matter in environments such as wetlands, rice paddies, and anaerobic digesters.

Importance

The ability of Syntrophobacter to degrade propionate is crucial for the global carbon cycle. Propionate is a common intermediate in the degradation of organic matter, and its accumulation can inhibit this process. By converting propionate to carbon dioxide and methane, Syntrophobacter helps to prevent this inhibition and promote the continued degradation of organic matter.

In addition, Syntrophobacter plays a key role in the treatment of waste in anaerobic digesters. By degrading propionate, it helps to prevent the accumulation of volatile fatty acids, which can inhibit the digestion process.

See also

• Anaerobic digestion
• Syntrophy
• Carbon cycle