Methane
Producing
Bacteria -
They,
also
known
as
methanogens
represent
a
highly
specialised
physiological
group.
Members
of
the
family
Methanobactcriaceae
form
methane
by
the
reduction
of
carbon
dioxide.
They
are
very
strict
obligate
anaerobes.
In
order
to
produce
methane
they
utilise
electrons
generated
in
the
oxidation
of
hydrogen
or
simple
organic
compounds,
such
as
acetate
and
methanol
They
are
unable
to
use
carbohydrates,
proteins
or
other
complex
organic
substrates.
Methanogens
often
form
consortia
in
association
with
other
microbes.
Microbes
associated
with
methanogens
maintain
the
low
oxygen
tensions
and
provide
the
carbon
dioxide
and
fatty
acids
required
by
the
methanogens.
Such
associations
are
extremely
important
in
the
rumen
of
herbivore
animals
as
cow;
A
major
source
of
atmospheric
methane
is
the
rumen
of
these
animals.
Index >>Prokaryotes Microbes >> Methane Producing Bacteria
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