Index >> Bacterial Taxonomy >> Methane Producing Bacteria

Tabular Form of Bacterial Classification From David Bergey's Manual

This part includes one family namely Methanobacteriaceae with three genera Methanobacterium, Methanococcus and Methanosarcina. Cells are rods or cocci, motile or non-motile, Gram variable, strict anaerobes which reduce CO2 to methane.

Energy is derived for growth by the reduction of CO2 and by utilizing electrons generated in the oxidation of hydrogen or formate. Methanosarcina can also ferment acetate and methanol to form methane and CO2. A highly specialized physiological group, does not utilize carbohydrates or proteinaceous materials or organic compounds other than those listed above.